I started my interest in bourbon/whiskey nearly three years ago now. I happened to be scrolling my daily feed on Facebook when I came across an ad for the Flaviar Whiskey Club. This club was a great introduction to the fabulous world of whiskey and I would recommend this as a great starting place for anyone interested in exploring this brown liquid. Although many of the perks have changed since I was a member, you used to be able to save quarterly credits towards more expensive bottles; and that is just what I did.

Today’s review is a bottle dear to my heart, and although it is scotch whisky, not a bourbon, this bottle was my collection’s first-ever “expensive” bottle on the shelf. From Johnnie Walker, today we are enjoying John Walker and Sons XR 21-Year-Old Scotch Whisky. Although I had no clue what I was ordering at the time, this bottle has not let me down when opened to share on special occasions with family and friends.

From the Johnnie Walker website: Alexander Walker II was a master blender like his father and his grandfather before him, who devoted his life to making exceptional whiskies. In 1920, he received a knighthood from King George V for his services to the nation. John Walker & Sons XR 21 was created to honour this very special occasion. Inspired by Sir Alexander’s own hand-written notes, it is blended from the exclusive Johnnie Walker reserve of rare whiskies, all of which have been matured for a full 21 years.

Now I know that I go by Bourbon Bossman not “Scotch Bossman” but lately I have had a fascination with scotch whisky; particularly blends by Johnnie Walker Distiller. Since purchasing this first bottle, my bottles of Johnnie Walker have grown to now five delicious gems. All I can say, is sometimes we all need to step outside our norms and try a new bottle because you never know, you may just fall in love with a new distillery. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Fruity, Red Grapes, Vanilla, Light Brown Sugar, Earthy/Dirt, and Slight Cardamon.
• Palate: A bit of a letdown with minimal complexity: Smokey, Slightly Fruity, and Warm Baking Spices.
• Finish: Medium To Long in with mild notes of sweet red grapes and lasting spices on the tongue.
• 2022 MSRP: $145
• 2022 National Average: $390
• My Rating: Save It! (But as I write this, the oldest owned bottle in my collection is no more)

Please remember, drinking bourbon, or scotch whisky, in this case, is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman