J&B Legend 21 Year

Rating: 19/23 This marks my 2000th beverage reviewed, a fitting choice as it commemorates the new millennium, likely explaining the 21-year age statement. To my knowledge, this is the sole 21-year-old expression J&B has ever released. It has now spent more time in the bottle than in the cask, an interesting detail for a special occasion. I have no prior experience with J&B and suspect it's typically mediocre, but I'm hopeful this one will be exceptional for this milestone. Nose: The cork's aroma was incredibly decadent, exuding nectar-like sweetness with richness and depth. In the glass, I detect grass and grain with some oiliness. There's a subtle roasted meatiness, well-balanced with good maturity. Wisps of ashy smoke and barbecue are present, along with white and black pepper. Faint anise is noticeable. A touch of alcohol, but not overwhelming; I would have guessed 43% ABV instead of 40%. Hints of orange, tangerine, lemon, and jasmine are present, though the fruit notes are considerably subdued now. Palate: More subtle and reserved than the nose suggested. Quite dry with less body than anticipated, though still a thin slick of oiliness. I perceive candied bitter orange peel and a faint, wispy smoke intertwined with mature, restrained wood. The smoke and fruit intensify as it develops on the palate. Occasional notes of tangerine, vanilla, and jasmine appear, along with a faint hint of bitter anise. The black and white pepper from the nose are present, providing enough warmth to prevent a watered-down impression. I would have estimated 43% ABV. The peppers impart a grain character that suggests it might be challenging at a younger age or higher proof, but it's very smooth as is. A slight ethanol presence is noticeable, akin to a mature light whiskey where it complements other flavors rather than indicating youth. There's a distinct layer of dry grain, possibly with occasional touches of malt. Finish: Clean. Lingering grain, mild wood, and faint smoke notes are dominant. Very subtle and infrequent hints of jasmine and tangerine emerge at times. The finish is easy but unremarkable. Conclusion: While not astounding, I'm quite enjoying this. It's a slight disappointment compared to the initial beautiful scent from the cork, but otherwise aligns with expectations: an unobtrusive, easy-drinking spirit with sufficient complexity to be engaging. McIvor 17 (16/23) offers more oiliness but less complexity. It also presents a stronger alcohol presence and tastes younger. This expression is clearly superior to the McIvor, though they share a similar character, and this isn't vastly better. It's easily a 17, possibly a 19, but I'm skeptical of a 20. Lismore 21 The Legend (19/23) possesses a richer, maltier profile, as expected. Being a single malt with an additional 3% ABV contributes, but doesn't deliver the substantial increase in richness and body one might anticipate. This expression has a mature, peppery-woodsmoke oily nuance absent in the Lismore, but it's not enough to declare it superior. I'm uncertain if it matches the Lismore, but a direct comparison highlights this one's subtle complexity. Highland Park 16 Wings of the Eagle (17/23) is more decadent, though not as much as expected. It's far less intriguing, however. I'm now convinced this is better than a 17; it's either an 18 or 19. Its standing relative to the Lismore is the deciding factor. I'd place it closer to the Lismore than the Highland Park, which is significant. Is it substantially better than the McIvor? While my opinion might shift, I currently consider it on par with the Lismore, thus awarding it a 19. It might not be among the finest drams I've ever had, but it's pleasant, mature, and meets expectations for a celebratory whisky. Would I repurchase at $150? Absolutely not. Am I glad I bought it? Definitely. I perceive the black and white pepper from the nose, adding sufficient warmth to avoid a diluted taste. I would have estimated 43% ABV. The peppers contribute a grain character suggesting it could be challenging at a younger age or higher proof, but it's exceptionally sippable as is. A subtle ethanol note is present, reminiscent of a mature light whiskey where it makes space for other flavors rather than indicating immaturity.