Johnnie Walker The Spice Road debuts

Diageo has unveiled formally its latest Johnnie Walker expression: The Spice Road, which is only available in duty free stores.

As reported on the Drinks International website on October 25 by Hamish Smith from the travel retail trade exhibition TFWA Cannes, Johnnie Walker The Spice Route is the first in the Explorers’ Club Collection.

At US$43 for one litre Spice Road in the ‘Trade Routes series’, will be followed by The Gold Route ($95) and The Royal Route ($159, both 1 litre) to make up the series. None of the expressions carry age statements; all are 40% abv.

The Gold Route will arrive in February/March and The Royal Route in May/June - at which point the collection will be available as a three-whisky pack.

Johnnie Walker master blender, Jim Beveridge, said: “We specially selected whiskies to create a bold blend on 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 flavours on the palate, warmed by cloves, ginger, and vanilla sweetness, give way to a smouldering finish of the Johnnie Walker signature smoke.”

Diageo global travel and Middle East marketing director, Steve White said: “Travel is in the DNA of Johnnie Walker and it is the credentials that we feel will resonate with today’s travelers who are undertaking bold journeys of their own.”