By: Phillip D. Johnson
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE LAUNCHES, BLENDED EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAVELLERS AND INSPIRED BY RICH ADVENTURES TRAVERSING THE GOLD ROUTE THROUGH LATIN AMERICA.
Today JOHNNIE WALKER, the world’s leading SCOTCH WHISKY producer, unveiled the latest electrifying blend from its TRADE ROUTES SERIES: JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE.
Launching from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, JOHNNIE WALKER has always pushed beyond known boundaries to discover new horizons. From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the SPICE ROAD OF EUROPE AND ASIA; THE ROYAL ROUTE FROM EUROPE TO PERSIA; and the GOLD ROUTE OF THE AMERICAS AND THE CARIBBEAN, in pursuit of adventures, bringing both new business and rich experiences.
Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, Johnnie Walker had a presence in over 120 countries—with the striking image of the JOHNNIE WALKER STRIDING MAN becoming an icon all over the world—and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights.
Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the Johnnie Walker agents travelled the world, ALEXANDER WALKER established the TRAVELLERS’ ROOM where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colorful tales of exploration influenced the JOHNNIE WALKER MASTER BLENDERS, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories. Today, this tradition continues as Johnnie Walker expands on the range of whiskies made exclusively for travelers – the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION.
The first release, launched in early November 2012, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION: THE SPICE ROAD is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the Johnnie Walker agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. It is a whisky of exceptional smoothness and rich flavor, matured in old oak casks for an intense finish inspired by spice markets, but still true to the Johnnie Walker signature style.
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE SPICE ROAD was met with great critical acclaim from within the industry and even greater retail success with the buying public; and was initially available only in duty free stores in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. It was made available in duty free stores globally in January 2013. The third release in the TRADE ROUTES SERIES – JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE ROYAL ROUTE will be available later in 2013.
“We specially selected whiskies to create a bold blend of intriguing complexity inspired by the richness of this part of the world: there is a spicy zestiness on the nose, balanced by fresh citrus. The smooth, rich and honeyed flavors on the palate, warmed by cloves, ginger and vanilla sweetness, give way to a smouldering finish of the Johnnie Walker signature smoke,” stated MASTER BLENDER JIM BEVERIDGE.
The second blend in the series, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE 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 – where they witnessed magnificent scenery and diverse cultures whilst in pursuit of new businesses and rich experiences. Crafted from the finest aged whiskies hand-picked for a luxurious smoothness and vibrant flavor, in the glass the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION -THE GOLD ROUTE evokes a sense of the exotic fruit flavors and beautiful rich golden colors of this region. (You can view the campaign video here: http://youtu.be/tYzNryMTNRs)
“We took inspiration from the richness of flavors, sights and experiences of Latin America to help us select the most precious liquids for this blend,” explained BEVERIDGE. He added: “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: tantalizing flavors, 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 flavor. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the finish is smooth and luxurious, a fitting addition to the Johnnie Walker lineage.”
STEVE WHITE, MARKETING DIRECTOR OF DIAGEO GLOBAL TRAVEL AND MIDDLE EAST, said: “At the very heart of Johnnie Walker lies a bold spirit of adventure which has given rise to a great number of epic journeys. Our blends have been inspired by tales of rich travel adventures, in this case, along the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean. JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – The Gold Route is a premium blend made exclusively for the intrepid travelers of today. It is a whisky to remind them of their own travels and inspire them to plan new journeys.”
With a recommended retail price of $95, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is presently available to travelers in duty free stores around the world.
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