Tag: Diageo

Diageo plc is a British multinational beverage alcohol company, with its headquarters in London, England. It operates in more than 180 countries and produces in more than 140 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of spirits and the world’s largest producer of Scotch whisky.
Brands include:
Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker, Cardhu, Justerini & Brooks, Bell’s, Black & White, White Horse, Caol Ila, Vat 69, Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Clynelish, Singleton, Dimple, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Blair Athol, Dailuaine, Glenlossie, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Strathmill, Teaninich.
American whiskey: Bulleit, Seagram’s
Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
Vodka: Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One
Rum: Captain Morgan,
Gin: Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Gilbey’s, Aviation Gin

In August 2013, a fire broke out inside the main terminal building of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. The fire destroyed most of the international terminal. John had to fly to Kenya for business, and it was with trepidation that he set off. He was unsure what the state of the airport would be and if they will be able to land.

With typical African ingenuity, however, the airport was up and running within two days. When John departed Nairobi, the Duty-Free shop was set up in a tent. In this tent, next to the burnt down terminal building, he found a bottle of Johnnie Walker Explorers Club The Gold Route whisky.

Related Article: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky

According to the company, the Johnnie Walker Explorers Club The Gold Route was inspired by journeys around South America. They claim inspiration from the lush Amazon forests of Central America through the snow-capped Andean mountains, passing the mystical Inca pyramids and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

The blend comprises a variety of ages of whisky, including some very old cask. As it was purchased in duty-free, the bottle was a 1 litre, not the standard 75cl or 70cl. The Gold Route is the second expression in the Explorers’ Club collection. The Spice Route and The Royal Route complete the collection.

Johnnie Walker Explorers Club The Gold Route Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Light amber. It looks lovely in the light. The whisky is nice and oily.

NOSE: Initially offers spice, butterscotch and dried fruits. In the background are hints of honey. The addition of a few drops of water opens this whisky up. Fresh fruits, greengage and oak now come to the fore. The nose is lovely.

PALATE: On the palate, one is struck by the smoothness. The greengage and fresh fruit also carry on to the palette. The fruit slowly turns to butterscotch and spice. Some aniseed and dried apricots also come through. It’s a medium-bodied whisky that feels great in the mouth.

FINISH: Not long, but smooth and mellow. It ends with cinnamon and cloves. Some pepper also appears at the end.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This bottle is an excellent addition to the Explorers’ Club collection. It is an incredibly smooth whisky. I did not, however, pick up any notes of smoke that other reviewers mentioned in their tasting notes. It is, nevertheless, a great expression from Johnnie Walker. If you like blends and happen to be in an airport, do pick up a bottle.

It will be a fabulous addition to whatever you may already have. Based on how delicious the Gold Route is, I think the Royal Route might also be worth getting. I will keep a lookout for it when I travel. What were your impressions of this Gold Route from Johnnie Walker?

Some of the other Johnnie Walker releases I have tried include the Johnnie Walker Swing as well as the Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

Related Article:Compass Box No Name No 2 Whisky

Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/04/2013

In Single Malt whisky

It’s been a while since I last posted. Sometimes life gets in the way of good whisky! Much like the Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 Islay single malt Scotch whisky, the time has passed so quickly that I cannot recall where we acquired the bottle or where the original packaging is!

Lagavulin single malts are generally seen as among the smokiest whiskies to be found. A Scottish Islay whisky, the distillery is one of the three Kildalton distilleries in the south of Islay.

Situated at the picturesque Lagavulin Bay, the distillery officially dates from 1816 when John Jonston and Archibald Campbell constructed two distilleries on site. They merged into one and was called Lagavulin.

Lagavulin claims the slowest distillation with 5 hours for the first distillation and 9 for the second. Lagavulin is produced by United Distillers & Vintners, which in turn is part of the Diageo stable.

The standard Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky is a 16 year old whisky. A cult item among peated whisky fans. This Lagavulin Distillers Edition is a limited release. They finished it in a Pedro Ximinez cask. Being an Islay whisky, it was always going to be bold and peaty.

Related Article: Oban Distiller’s Edition whisky

Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Quite dark when compared to other Islay whiskies.

NOSE: The first thing that hits you when you nose the whisky is the characteristic peat and iodine. t’s a big whisky, and the Lagavulin distillery’s characteristic smokiness follows the peat and iodine. Altogether it is just an impressive nose. Altogether it is just an impressive nose.

PALATE: When tasting the whisky, one is struck at once by burnt oak and smoke. But also the surprising fruitiness, which was a bit unexpected. I picked up flavours of raisin, sherry and even vanilla.

The flavours come together beautifully. It is a dram which John’s friend Justin, who dislikes Islay and claims he can smell the sardines in them, might well enjoy.

FINISH: The finish… well, it’s wow! It builds slowly to a long tail, absolutely brilliant. It is an excellent whisky with a beautiful nose, a wonderful full-mouthed fruity palette and a brilliant finish.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I paired some Maltesers with a Lagavulin during December. It made for an AMAZING pairing. But the Lagavulin pairs beautifully with Gorgonzola, Roquefort or Stilton cheese as well. It is a must-try combination for anyone who likes to pair food and spirits.

Also Read: Start a whisky club