John Walker & Sons XR Aged 21 Years Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml

John Walker & Sons XR 21 is a premium aged blended scotch from the prestigious John Walker & Sons Collection, created as a tribute to Sir Alexander Walker II, the master blender who was knighted by King George V in 1920 for his services to the nation. "XR" stands for "eXtra Rare," and the bottle's design is inspired by Sir Alexander's own hand written blending notes from his journals. Every component whisky in the blend has been matured for a minimum of 21 years, and Master Blender Jim Beveridge employed an unusually rare three stage blending method reserved for the house's most exclusive whiskies to create the layered character. The heart of the blend is built around rare 21 year old grain whiskies from the now silent Port Dundas Distillery, which produce a deliciously sweet, creamy, vanilla driven core. To this foundation Beveridge added American oak and ex bourbon aged malts to nurture the sweet heart, then layered in selected reserves of 21 year old single malts to build the rich fruit and malt complexity. Bottled at 40% ABV in an elegant decanter style flagon with a polished wooden topped stopper and individually numbered bottle. Presented in a striking gold gift box, this is a serious aged blended scotch positioned at the upper tier of the Walker portfolio.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep, rich amber.

Nose: Rich fruits and oak, sweet honey, tempered spices, citrus zest, ripened tropical fruits, caramel, and hints of tobacco and raisins, all cloaked in warming smoke.

Palate: Smooth, indulgent, and complex with intense toffee, luscious dark fruits, a sweet creamy vanilla core (from the rare Port Dundas grain whiskies), layered malt richness, and a subtle peaty thread weaving through.

Finish: Long, smooth, and soothing with intriguing layers of intensity playing out over a subtle tapestry of peatiness, fading slowly with lingering oak, fruit, and toffee.

FAQ

What does "XR" stand for? XR stands for "eXtra Rare," a designation Johnnie Walker reserves for premium tributes within the John Walker & Sons Collection. The XR 21 specifically honors Sir Alexander Walker II, who was knighted by King George V in 1920 for his services to the nation. The bottle's hand written aesthetic is inspired by Sir Alexander's own personal blending notes from his journals.

What is the "three stage blending method"? Master Blender Jim Beveridge created XR 21 using an unusually rare three stage blending technique reserved for the house's most exclusive whiskies. Stage one builds a sweet creamy vanilla core from rare 21 year old grain whiskies from the silent Port Dundas Distillery. Stage two adds American oak and ex bourbon aged 21 year malts to nurture and integrate the heart. Stage three layers in selected 21 year old single malts to build complexity, rich fruit, and the signature Walker smoke.

What is Port Dundas? Port Dundas was a renowned grain whisky distillery in Glasgow, Scotland that closed in 2010 (now silent and demolished). Casks of mature Port Dundas grain whisky are highly prized by blenders because the distillery's stocks are finite and cannot be replaced. The 21 year old Port Dundas grain at the heart of XR 21 is one of the bottle's signature components and a meaningful part of its rarity.

How does this compare to other Walker expressions? The John Walker & Sons Collection sits at the upper tier of the brand portfolio, above the standard Johnnie Walker range (Red, Black, Double Black, Gold Reserve, Platinum 18). XR 21 is positioned alongside Blue Label and the rarer Walker special editions, distinguished by its 21 year age statement, three stage blending, and the Sir Alexander Walker tribute heritage.

How should I drink it? Best enjoyed neat in a tulip or rocks glass to fully appreciate the layered fruit, smoke, and vanilla character built over 21 years of maturation. Also takes a single large ice cube well per the Master Blender's recommendation. This is a serious sipping whisky for special occasions, anniversaries, and luxury gifting moments, not a mixing whisky.

Where can I buy John Walker & Sons XR 21 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.