Johnnie Walker XR 21 Philip Colbert Limited Edition
75cl / 40%
£299.00
- Malt type: Blended Malt
- Region: Scotland
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A vibrant blend of 21-year-old spirits, honouring Sir Alexander Walker II and presented in bespoke contemporary art packaging.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | John Walker & Sons (Diageo) / Scotland (Blended Scotch) |
| Category | Premium Aged Blended Scotch Whisky (Limited Edition) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 21 Years Old (Minimum) / NAS / Bottled 2023 (Limited Edition Art Series) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 75cl (Also documented 70cl) |
| Cask / Treatment | Blended from aged casks, including reserves from now-closed distilleries (e.g., Brora) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. (Assumed coloured) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. (Assumed chill-filtered at 40% ABV) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Annual Art Edition (Specific count not disclosed) |
| Intended channel | Luxury Gifting, Collector Retail, Duty-Free |
| Packaging | Art Deco-inspired decanter bottle with packaging designed by Philip Colbert (The Lobster Artist) |
| Notes on discrepancies | This is a variant of the core XR 21 liquid, differentiated solely by the Philip Colbert pop-art packaging for the gifting market. It is commonly bottled at 40% ABV. |
Historical Context
The Johnnie Walker XR 21 Year Old blend is an exceptional homage to Sir Alexander Walker II, the grandson of Johnnie Walker, who was knighted by King George V in 1920. The recipe is directly inspired by Sir Alexander Walker’s hand-written blending notes and is structured using an "extremely rare three-stage blending method" to achieve its distinct smoothness and smoky finish. The blend components are aged for a minimum of 21 years and drawn from Johnnie Walker's exclusive reserve stocks, which are widely believed to include whiskies from closed distilleries such as Brora.
The Philip Colbert Limited Edition (2023 Release) is a recent artistic collaboration. Johnnie Walker partnered with the Scottish contemporary artist Philip Colbert, known for his vibrant, hyper-pop aesthetic and his signature cartoon lobster persona. This collaboration reinforces the brand's commitment to contemporary luxury and collector desirability, presenting the historical liquid within a modern cultural context.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The XR 21 is a premium Blended Scotch Whisky, guaranteeing a minimum age of 21 years for all components. The liquid profile is engineered to deliver a warm, smoky flavour wrapped in honey sweetness and spice. The standard bottling strength for the Philip Colbert Edition is 40% ABV, commonly found in a 75cl volume for the limited release.
Documented variants
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 75cl (750ml) | Global Limited Gifting | Philip Colbert Lobster Art packaging | High (Value driven by artist collaboration and presentation) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The primary authenticity check relates to the limited-edition artistic packaging. Buyers should verify the presence of the Philip Colbert design, often featuring his iconic lobster motif. The bottle should clearly state the age (21 Years Old) and strength (40% ABV). The liquid is housed in the distinct decanter-style bottle inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. Due to the high price point and decorative nature, an immaculate presentation box is crucial for collector valuation.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The blend is structured using a complex, three-stage marrying process. The liquid contains whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years. The core blend is widely confirmed to include rare malt from now-closed distilleries, a key selling point for enthusiasts seeking non-renewable stock components.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is engineered for complexity, balancing the smooth aging with a notable warming spice and smoke, indicative of the blend’s reserve components.
Nose: Layers of citrus and tropical ripe fruits combined with notes of caramel, hints of tobacco, and raisins. Spiced apple, smoky oak, and toasted brioche have also been noted.
Palate: The taste delivers a warm smoky flavour wrapped in honey sweetness and spice. Further complexity includes caramel, hazelnuts coursing through dark chocolate, and sometimes herbal notes giving way to orange and lemon peels.
Finish: Luxuriously long, mellow, and warming, concluding with a vanilla finish and gentle smoke.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The valuation is highly influenced by the premium nature of the Johnnie Walker brand, the 21-year age statement, and the limited-edition art component.
Original RRP (GBP): £299.00 (Specialist retail asking price at launch).
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £290.00 – £299.00. (Reflecting stable specialist pricing for the art edition).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Auction data for this specific Philip Colbert bottling is limited. However, comparable Johnnie Walker XR 21 limited editions show low hammer prices in the £32.50 range for 1L Duty-Free format.
Pricing stratification: The dramatic difference between the specialist retail price (c. £299) and the auction price for generic XR 21 (£30–£60) confirms that the specialist retail premium is entirely based on the perceived value of the aged liquid and the Philip Colbert art edition status.
Liquidity & sourcing note: High liquidity in the primary luxury market. Low liquidity at auction for the specific Colbert edition, making it a targeted acquisition.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| UK Retailer | Current (Est. 2025) | 75cl / 40% (Philip Colbert) | 299.00 | Specialist asking price |
| EU Retailer | Current (Est. 2025) | 75cl / 40% (Philip Colbert) | 247.90 | Converted retailer asking price |
| Auction (Proxy) | Sep 2024 | 100cl / 40% (Explorer's Club) | 32.50 | Proxies illustrate general auction floor for JW limited blends |
