J. Walker John Walker & Sons Xr21

Category:
 
Spirits
Sub-Category:  
 
Whisky
Producer:
 
J. Walker
Label Name:
 
John Walker & Sons Xr21
Country:
 
Scotland, United Kingdom
Region:
 
Blended Scotch (includes Speyside malts)
Volume:
 
700ml
ABV:
 
40%
Acidity:
 
1
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
18-20°C

Awards/Ratings
Notable scores and mentions: Whisky Bible (Jim Murray) ~94; ScotchMaltWhisky review ~94–94. 5; Whisky Advocate commentary ~88; WhiskyBase/aggregate listings show ratings in the mid-80s to low-90s. XR21 is sold as

Tasting Note
Rich honey, vanilla and caramel up front with dried fruits, candied citrus and warm baking spices. Subtle smoke and tobacco notes lead to dark chocolate and toasted oak; very smooth with a long, warming finish.

Food Pairing
Western: dark chocolate, aged cheddar, blue cheese, roasted lamb, smoked salmon, rich pâté. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ, char siu (barbecue pork), miso-glazed eggplant, grilled/smoked eel (unagi), spicy Sichuan dishes.

Production Method
Assembled from John Walker reserves using an X.R. three-stage blending process; all components matured a minimum of 21 years in American and European oak casks; bottled at 40% ABV.

Vineyard Info
John Walker & Sons (Johnnie Walker/Diageo) is a historic Scottish blender. XR21 honours Sir Alexander Walker and uses rare aged casks from the house reserves; often released as limited/travel-retail editions in artist-designed decanters.