Johnnie Walker John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 1Lt

John Walker & Sons XR 21 is a whisky born of a royal moment. In 1920, Sir Alexander Walker — grandson of the founder — was knighted by King George V for his services to the nation, and this blend honours that occasion, drawing inspiration from Sir Alexander's own handwritten blending notes. XR stands for 'eXtra Rare', and every whisky in the bottle was matured for at least 21 years. This generous one-litre bottling pours at 40% ABV.

Carrying the formal John Walker & Sons name — the company title granted royal-warrant-era gravitas — XR 21 is a blended Scotch whisky, marrying long-aged malt and grain whiskies from the house's reserves across Diageo's Scottish distilleries. The 21-year statement applies to every component, an extravagant commitment of stock that places XR 21 among the most patient blends the company produces, crafted in the style of Sir Alexander's own era. The John Walker & Sons designation is reserved for the house's most exclusive tributes, a small family that includes some of the rarest whiskies Diageo produces.

Two decades of oak show everywhere in the glass. The nose is deep with honey, dried fruit and polished wood, threaded with caramel and old-library warmth. The palate delivers sherried raisin, dark toffee, baking spice and beeswax over rich malt, while the smoke stays low and refined — a signature murmur rather than a statement. The finish is exceptionally long, sweet oak and gentle spice fading slowly. Patience in the cask becomes patience in the glass.

XR 21 sits in fascinating territory: an age-stated luxury blend with a genuine historical narrative, presented in a litre format that collectors of the John Walker & Sons line particularly prize. It is a natural milestone gift — knighthoods, promotions, twenty-first celebrations — and a supremely rewarding fireside pour. Serve it neat and unhurried, the way its namesake would surely have insisted.

• Size: 1L
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Age: 21 years (minimum age of all component whiskies)
• Origin: Scotland
• Distillery: Johnnie Walker (Diageo) — blended Scotch, Scotland
• Style: Aged luxury blended Scotch whisky (malt and grain)
• Blend/Malts: Long-aged malt and grain whiskies from the house reserves, each matured at least 21 years
• Series/Edition: John Walker & Sons collection — XR ('eXtra Rare') 21, honouring Sir Alexander Walker's 1920 knighthood
• Presentation: One-litre decanter-style bottle in the John Walker & Sons livery
• Tasting Notes: Honey, sherried raisin, dark toffee, beeswax, baking spice and polished oak with refined low smoke