John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year

Nose: smells sweet like vanilla and maple candy, with a faint fruitiness. Palate: tastes of vanilla, a hint of what seems like sherry sweetness, and rock candy. Finish: vanilla, caramel, white pepper, and a small puff of peat smoke. Is it designed for smoothness? Yes. Does it contain artificial coloring and undergo chill filtration? Yes. Is it too expensive? Yes. Should it be higher than 80 proof? Yes. But is it good? Yes, it is. It's an agreeable, premium blend in an attractive bottle, perfect as a gift for a father-in-law. It's not intended as an everyday drink or a serious option for the dedicated Scotch enthusiast. However, it's a rich blend that will appeal to many different tastes.

This is amazing. Possibly the best whisky ever, or close to it. Very unlike my other favorite, the Hibiki Harmony. Johnnie Walker XR 21 is beautiful on the nose with a very creamy vanilla note. If you pour a drop on your hand, it will smell like the seed from a peach, and if you let it sit for a couple of minutes, you'll also get a tiny orange or some other citrus fruit note. On the palate, you get a very spicy, almost hot sensation, and the finish is medium with a mild smoke sensation. This is a very complex and beautiful whisky. By far the best I've had up to now.

Nose: Fragrant and a nice blend of rich Fruit Sweets. Sweet bubbly Peach drink, Orange Zest, and sweet undertones of Vanilla. Raisins and some Cinnamon Spice. (8/10) Palate: Forest Fruit Jam and heaps of Wild Honey. Mild Smoke with Cinnamon Spice on the tongue. Oak and Citrus. (6/10) Finish: Medium and Dry. Honey, lots of Oak, and Smoke. (6/10) Somewhat harsh considering its age.

NOSE: Starts off smelling quite grainy. Has notes of caramel, vanilla, and some butter. PALATE: Sweet caramel and brown butter flavors. Rich, thick creaminess. The finish is mildly spicy with candied ginger and baked cinnamon. Absolutely delicious. OVERALL: The palate is luscious and exquisite, slightly let down by a plain nose.

I just got this bottle yesterday and in a single word, WOW! This Johnnie Walker is different from their other blends I've tasted, as it's not smoky. Instead, it's very light and a bit fruity. Exceptionally pleasing, and I'll certainly be getting more!

I had this the evening before my wedding; my partner gave it to me as a present. Sweet, velvety, with notes of toffee and butterscotch. Unfortunately, it's only available abroad, but I'd eagerly buy another bottle if I travel again, as it's one of my favorites.