As the 1L marker may indicate – this review is a little special. I was recently traveling through London (and apparently will return, so expect a new segment on London pubs to hit this site), and on the way home after some successful business I got myself some duty-free scotch. Of course with many options I couldn’t resist another entry from the Walker line.
However after opening the box here I discovered a problem. Yes once again some hooligan has seen fit to place one of those asinine pour spouts where you sort of need to ‘kickstart’ it, but it still kinda dribbles out sporadically like an old man’s penis.
As you can see though, I have tools (and band-aids) so I soon made sure that I was down to bare glass, which I then corked. Because while I can forgive many things from a beloved scotch distillery – I will not suffer a cock-block in pour spout form.
What they Say: “ Since 1820 the Walker family and their agents have travelled the four corners of the world, navigating their way down the Spice road of Europe and Asia, the Royal route from Europe to Persia, the Gold route of the Americas and the Caribbean in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences which they would share on their return. Influenced by the tales of the travellers, the Master Blenders began creating different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories. Today this tradition continues and to pay homage to the travellers’ past and present we introduce an exclusive range of whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Explorers’ Club Collection: The Johnnie Walker trade routes series – The Spice Road, The Gold Route and soon to be unveil: the Royal Route.
A complex whisky with rich flavour and exceptional smoothness. Matured in old oak casks for an intense finish inspired by the spice markets of Asia yet true to the Johnnie Walker signature.”
Taste: 6.0 – This is certainly a unique blend of flavors, and it’s certainly a ‘hot’ flavor in the front (not like a hot sauce).
Aftertaste: 4.5 – There’s a lingering spice, but it’s so weak and dies so quick to be truly enjoyable.
Burn/Smooth: 7.0 – It gives just a pinch of warmth, and it’s overall quite smooth.
Aroma: 6.0 – It’s a great spicy scotch smell, it’s quite enjoyable.
Honesty: 4.0 – I’m sorry but any text, traveling spirit, bottle beauty is tarnished by a pour spout from hell. When I pour my scotch I am meant to pour it.
Mixability: 5.5
W/ Rocks: 5.5 – This is middling, on one hand it kills a bit of that initial power and spice, but it also keeps the flavor going for much longer overall.
Value: 6.0 – Actually a damn good price, but then it does come with the price tag of an international flight.
Google Shop Average: $30
Website: http://www.johnniewalker.com/global/home/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.0
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Metric Score: 39/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.57 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.0
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Final Thoughts: While I consider this scotch as ‘some assembly required’ and a ‘cheap, but not really’ I am very happy with my purchase, and I’ll be glad to have a few glasses with my upcoming birthday.
