Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker The Gold Route

Hits the tongue like a sweet, but earthy vanilla syrup. That sweetness turns to spicy flavors of cloves and nutmeg and a sweet, oaky smoke. That spicy, smoky character remains the distinctive flavor after swallowing, tingling around the mouth while the sweetness of a mellow coffee cake subtly emerges on the back of the tongue. Final Thoughts & Score/Buy A Bottle: Score: 90/100 While I complained that The Spice Road’s flavors came in waves that didn’t intermingle, that criticism can’t be made of Johnnie Walker The Gold Route. The sweet first taste glides easily into a complex but sweet blend of spice and smoke that gradually gives back some ground to sweet at the end. While I wish the fruity flavor of the nose would have been more present on the palate, I appreciate the gradual, complex flavor shifts all the same.