2014

Johnnie Walker Explorers’ Club Collection Blended Scotch Whisky
The Spice Road
40% ABV
$43/Liter
Website

What the Blender Says:
A new range of unique whiskies, exclusively available in Travel Retail outlets.
Start your adventure with the first series of the Collection, the Trade Route Series – inspired by the great journeys of the Walker family to the four corners of the world.

The first signature blend from the Trade Route series is THE SPICE ROAD. Influenced by the vibrancy, aromas and dazzling colours of the thriving markets of Asia this blend provides a rich, long-lasting experience.

THE SPICE ROAD is a complex whisky with aromatic spice overtones and exceptional smoothness, true to the Johnnie Walker signature. Let it take your taste buds on a new journey. On the nose, you are greeted with a spicy zestiness, subtle notes of fresh and citrus fruits such as apples, kiwis and limes. With the first sip, your palate embarks on an unforgettable exploration. There is a tantalising balance of smooth, rich honeyed vanilla, warmed by hints of cloves and ginger, with a smoky finish reminiscent of smouldering wood.

THE SPICE ROAD is best enjoyed with a drop of water to release the subtle smokiness.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Surprisingly light on the nose with lots of citrus zest layered against a bouquet of wildflowers and poached pears.
Palate: Tropical fruit drizzled in vanilla cream with back notes of pumpkin pie spices and tobacco.
Finish: Relatively short. There’s an initial smokiness but it fades quickly playing with a light nuttiness.
Comments: Travel Retail Only, so if you see it and are interested I suggest buying it. You won’t find it at the corner store. The Spice Road is the first in a series of these Travel Retail exclusives called the Explorers’ Club Collection. It’s supposed to highlight old travel/trade routes (“The Spice Road”, “Explorers’s Club”…get it?) with expressions in scotch blends riffing on the JW house style. The Gold Route is the second released thus far. I find this very enjoyable and have no problem stocking this as an out of the ordinary blend. It’s tasty, approachable, and at $40+ for a liter not terribly pricey.
Rating: Stands Out

Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV
$35 to $45
Website

What the Blender Says:
Taking cues from the unparalleled flavors of Johnnie Walker Black Label, Master Blender Jim Beveridge struck out to craft a blend that would take the intensity of Black to unexplored territory. He started on Scotland’s vast shores, rediscovering the powerful west coast and subtle east coast scotches integral to today’s world-renowned Black Label. After hand-selecting a number of whiskies defined by hints of smoldering charcoal, crisp ash and burnt timber, we barreled our blend to mature in deep-charred old oak casks. The result is an unquestionably smokier, more intense experience, but with deep, dark roots in a rich blend that changed the world: Johnnie Walker Black Label. Simply put, it is Black, amplified.

Blended to break the rules, Double Black boasts an edgy confidence in flavor that separates it from its balanced relative, Johnnie Walker Black Label. It is not simply a darker version of Black Label, for it cannot be defined by color alone. Nevertheless, the two blends are intrinsically linked. As any discriminating drinker can see, they share DNA – in their smoky nose, unmistakable spice and slight tones of dried fruit.

But the similarities end there. With this blend, the exclusive taste trumps all. It’s no wonder whisky critics and aficionados have snatched up the limited number of bottles produced, making it even more elusive and mysterious. But rest assured, the “mischievous brother” won’t be gone for long – just remember that flavor of this intensity takes time and great care to craft.

While its finish will undoubtably linger, Double Black itself will not. Its stunningly small run is characteristic of a blend best suited to the most ambitious and adventurous Johnnie Walker enthusiasts, eager to explore another side of Black. But our Double Black locator (above) will make sure you’ve secured a bottle of your own before this rare blend, like a billow of smoke, quietly fades away.

What Richard Says:
Nose: There is a nice smokiness but it’s much more refined than I expected reading the PR on this one. There are also back notes of stewed fruit and a wisp of brine. This reminds me of sitting by the smoker on a friend’s back porch.
Palate: Surprisingly sweet then settling into a mellow peat with a cereal maltiness.
Finish: Charcoal, old campfires.
Comments: I shouldn’t doubt an iconic blender in charge of an iconic blend range but for some reason I thought this was going to suck. I’m not a huge fan of JW Black. It’s not bad it’s just not as complex as I like my whisky now. That said, JW Double Black is very enjoyable and I would have no problem going back again and again. This takes all the good things about JW Black and cranks it up without missing a step. Impressive, but if you’re Jim Beveridge I guess it’s just another day at the office.
Rating: Stands Out