The Ultimate Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

TL;DR

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is the third in the Ghost & Rare series, featuring rare whiskies, including spirit from the closed Glenury Royal Distillery. While the nose offers a standout experience with warm, sweet notes reminiscent of a hotel breakfast, the palate is lighter and less complex than other Blue Label releases. Reviews are mixed but generally positive, with its rarity and historical significance making it a collector’s item. Prices start at £225 in the UK and $281 in the U.S., appealing to those who value provenance and exclusivity.

How Good Is Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal?

As far as I can see, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal has not won any distinguished awards. However, the reviews seem to be positive across the board. I will detail some of those reviews later in the article. 

The lack of awards, therefore, is not an indication that the whisky is bad. It may be that Johnnie Walker decided not to submit this limited-edition whisky to any competitions. 

Whilst awards provide us with a reliable metric as to which whiskies are ‘the best’, they should by no means dictate everything that you drink. Give this a whirl! You might like it. 

How Much Is Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal?

U.S.: Pick up a bottle from $281, shipping from the UK. 

UK: You can currently pick up a bottle in the UK from £225. 

Context Is Key

The inclusion of single malt whisky from the Glenury Royal Distillery – which closed during the Whisky Loch in 1985 – adds an air of rarity and history to this whisky. As such, the whisky will appeal to scotch whisky historians, fans of Glenury Royal who mourn its passing, and Johnnie Walker fans interested in seeing how the brand can showcase spirit from the long-lost distillery. 

Using an analogy to compare the whisky to another luxury good – a watch – we can liken the Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal to the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award. 

Both pay homage to history and rarity, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. The inclusion of whisky from the closed Glenury Royal Distillery mirrors the Speedmaster’s ties to a historic moment in space exploration.

This is a whisky for those who value provenance and exclusivity, offering an experience steeped in heritage.

What Do The Reviews Say? 

Bobby Childs – Adventures In Whiskey

Bobby Childs, a New Orleans-based whiskey enthusiast, established Adventures In Whiskey in 2014 hoping to sample a range of drams and share his thoughts.

He awarded the whisky a 9 out of 10, saying: “Wow. Based on the nose, I was expecting a very fruit forward whisky. Instead, I was treated to a rich, decadent whisky… one I’d easily reach for after a big dinner. All the flavors pair well together, creating a nice balance.”

Christopher Null – Drink Hacker 

Christopher Null of Drink Hacker, graded the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal a B+, saying: “Quiet and simple, it’s a pleasant diversion — but nothing akin to the masterpiece of the original Ghost and Rare release [Brora].” 

Ruben – Whisky Notes

Ruben at whiskynotes.be awarded the whisky 87 points, saying: “Like the other two, this is a great blend of well-aged whiskies. The Brora is still my favourite, this comes second, and the whole series is of high quality but quite expensive.”

How To Drink Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal? 

Given the status of Glenury Royal Distillery and the subsequent focus on the rarity of the spirit in the bottle, you might wish to enjoy this one neat, with water, or on ice. This way, the whisky will open up and you can experience the full spectrum of flavors. 

Even if the whisky isn’t for you, you will be able to say that you have tasted whisky from a distillery that has been closed for almost 40 years, which is pretty remarkable.