Johnnie Walker XR 21 Year Old 75cl Year Of The Dragon / James Jean Limited Edition
75cl / 40%
£249.00
- Region: Scotland
A prestigious expression from John Walker & Sons, the XR 21 is a finely crafted 21-year-old blended Scotch whisky that embodies luxury and heritage. Inspired by an aged blending ledger from the early 20th century, this rich and refined whisky is composed of rare malt and grain whiskies, some from long-closed distilleries.
Matured for a minimum of 21 years, it offers a smooth, velvety palate with layers of honey, dried fruit, warm spices, and a hint of oak. Bottled at 40% ABV, this elegant blend is perfect for savoring neat or as a distinguished after-dinner drink.
Presented in a 750ml decanter-style bottle, the XR 21 reflects the artistry of Johnnie Walker’s master blenders, making it a celebrated choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
A tribute to tradition, blended for excellence.
If you like this whisky, you will also like these
21-year-old XR dressed in James Jean’s 2024 Dragon artwork for the Lunar gifting market, same 40% blend, 75cl format.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Bottler / Region | John Walker & Sons (Diageo), Blended Scotch, Scotland |
| Category | Luxury age-stated blend, Lunar New Year artist’s edition |
| Age / Bottled | 21 Years Old / c. 2024 (Year of the Dragon) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV, 75cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Premium blend built on older malts and grains, as per core XR 21 |
| Natural Colour | No (E150a for consistency) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Outturn | Not stated by the producer (limited packaging run) |
| Intended channel | APAC, travel retail, high-end gift retail |
| Packaging | James Jean dragon artwork carton/bottle, sometimes with gift extras |
| Notes on discrepancies | James Jean has done other zodiac XR designs (e.g. Snake); confirm the dragon artwork/year before listing. |
Historical Context
XR 21 is a steady high-tier blend for Johnnie Walker in Asia. Each Lunar New Year, Diageo pushes special-edition packaging tied to the zodiac, often with an artist collaboration. James Jean’s bold, flowing murals translate well to bottles, so 2024’s Dragon XR 21 picks up the same visual language used on other limited JW pieces. The liquid inside is unchanged: a 21-year-old, polished, lightly smoky blend. Value is almost entirely presentation-driven, so carton and the clarity of the artist/year have to be protected.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented variants
-
Johnnie Walker XR 21, James Jean, Year of the Dragon, 75cl, 40%.
-
Johnnie Walker XR 21 + XR 23 James Jean Dragon 2 x 75cl gift set (Cyprus listing).
-
Johnnie Walker XR 21, James Jean, Year of the Snake (earlier zodiac).
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 75cl | 2024 Dragon, single bottle | Dragon/James Jean artwork | Core |
| 40% | 2 x 75cl | 2024 Dragon gift set | Includes XR 23, wooden or premium box | Above core |
| 40% | 75cl | Earlier zodiac (Snake) | Different art | Parallel |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist
-
Must say XR 21 Years Old.
-
750ml/75cl and 40% visible.
-
James Jean dragon artwork intact; no major carton rubs.
-
Duty-free stickers acceptable.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes
-
21-year age statement applies to every component.
-
Coloured, chill-filtered, premium blend.
Liquid Profile
-
Nose: Polished oak, citrus peel, dried fruits, honey, faint smoke.
-
Palate: Creamy, orange-and-honey sweetness, toffee, old-wood spice, a touch of smoke.
-
Finish: Long, elegant, with oak and citrus.
-
With water: Not necessary at 40%.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Johnnie Walker uses XR to tell heritage stories (Alexander Walker II’s reserves) and to carry art collabs. The whisky is the same trusted 21-year-old; the art makes it a one-season collectible.
Sourcing
-
Target unmarked cartons, 75cl, 40%, dragon art.
-
Avoid zodiac mix-ups.
