Johnnie Walker XR

[Schumi5]

Picked up a bottle of this at the Duty Free over the weekend. Relatively new appearance out our way but I think it has been around in Aussie for a couple of years. Packaging is beautiful but I'm more interested in what is in the bottle. Has anyone tried it? Any tasting notes you are willing to share?

Have a great day all!

[Louich]

Never heard of that one. I tought they stopped at 18yro.

[Schumi5]

It is a special-release. Additional details below:

Johnnie Walker XR was inspired by the hand-written blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of the legendary Johnnie Walker. A luxurious blend from the exclusive reserve of aged casks, including that of the now quiet distillery of Brora. Aged for an extended period of 21 years this exceptional legacy blend is both warm and spicy to the palate with layers of complexity to suit the discerning whisky drinker.

[Lotusguy]

It is a special-release. Additional details below:

Johnnie Walker XR was inspired by the hand-written blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of the legendary Johnnie Walker. A luxurious blend from the exclusive reserve of aged casks, including that of the now quiet distillery of Brora. Aged for an extended period of 21 years this exceptional legacy blend is both warm and spicy to the palate with layers of complexity to suit the discerning whisky drinker.

Do you happen to know if it contains any grain alcohol like most of the JW blends (aside from the green)?

[sengjc]

If it is the XR 21 then I think it's a little pricey for what it's worth since you can get single malt 21 YO's for the price. Here you are paying for a blended scotch.

As for the drinking experience, it's just ok to me. A lot of wood influence so can come across as a little bitterish. There's a bit of heat in the spirit too.

I bought 3 bottles when it got released thinking they would be limited editions but found out later that they are core range. Over the years now down to the final bottle.

I have other mates who did the same and concur on the drinking experience.

BTW, the recently released JW Spice Road DF Exclusive is also nothing special to me.

[Schumi5]

Do you happen to know if it contains any grain alcohol like most of the JW blends (aside from the green)?

Not 100% sure but based on these tasting notes I found, it would appear to have grain alcohol as well.

Tasting notes

Overall character: Indulgent, rounded and multi-layered. Beginning with the sweetness of golden honey and vanilla before culminating in rich, aged oak

Appearance: Shady, deep gold flecked with lighter glints that give way to a smooth, lighter brown as the liquid flows out of the bottle into the glass

Nose: Full and rich, with the malts and grains evident in notes of the aged oak

Palate: Smooth balance of golden honey, vanilla and sweet fruits evolving into the deep richness of aged oak

Finish: Lingers delightfully with a layer of aged oak

Serving suggestion: Neat and very chilled, accompanied by soda water with ice

Accompaniment suggestions: Chocolate fudge, honey nut biscuits, rye bread, ginger cake

[Louich]

Well I just learned something ! Thanks guys.

[sharks]

Been available here in Australia for quite awhile. They originally pushed it here as a limited edition although I have no reason to believe that as it is still readily available currently. I have purchased a bottle although have yet to sample.

[garbandz]

If a Scotch is labeled Blend,it contains non- pot still whiskeys.[Coffey stills] .

It is all grain based alcohol.

Still barrel aged,then blended.

If a bottle contains only Single malts,it is called/labeled a ' vatted malt.'.....which is a blend,isn't it?

[sengjc]

If a Scotch is labeled Blend,it contains non- pot still whiskeys.[Coffey stills] .

It is all grain based alcohol.

Still barrel aged,then blended.

If a bottle contains only Single malts,it is called/labeled a ' vatted malt.'.....which is a blend,isn't it?

The term "vatted malt" is now officially changed to "blended malt".