The Gold Route is said to be inspired by the “richness of Latin America” and takes its “inspiration from the journeys made by the Walker family and their agents - from Central America through the Andean mountains, passing the Inca pyramids and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean”.
Diageo, the world’s largest Scotch whisky producer, says the blend is available exclusively for travellers in duty free stores.
The Gold Route is the second blend in the Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection of three whiskies, collectively known as the ‘Trade Routes Series’. It has a recommended retail price of US$95. Like the other blends in the collection, it is said to pay tribute to the travelling heritage of the John Walker & Sons’ agents.
Gold Route is described as: “Crafted from the finest aged whiskies hand-picked for a luxurious smoothness and vibrant flavour, in the glass the Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection -The Gold Route evokes a sense of the exotic fruit flavours and beautiful rich golden colours of this region.
Master Blender Jim Beveridge said: "We took inspiration from the richness of flavours, sights and experiences of Latin America to help us select the most precious liquids for this blend.”
He goes on: "On the nose, there is an immediate wave of an exotic mix of bananas, mango and pitaya, complemented by a hint of vanilla sweetness. On first sip, the palate embarks on a journey that is as distinct and magnificent as the vistas of Latin America: tantalising flavours, a perfect blend of fruitiness with hints of pineapples, guava, passion fruit and raisins, all balanced perfectly by deep charred peaty notes, in keeping with the signature smoky Johnnie Walker flavour. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the finish is smooth and luxurious, a fitting addition to the Johnnie Walker lineage."
The first release The Spice Road, which was launched in November, is described as “an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the Johnnie Walker agents would have discovered in the markets around Asia.
The third release series, The Royal Route will be available exclusively in duty free stores later in 2013.
