Interestingly, the John Walker & Sons XR 21 blended whisky was originally created to honour the knighthood of Alexander Walker II, the grandson of John Walker – the one-time Scottish grocer who originated what would become one of the world’s most famous whisky house, Johnnie Walker.
Assured, balanced and elegant, the XR 21 has intriguing layers of intensity that are both surprising and delightful. The long, smooth, soothing finish is complex and fascinating – a myriad of influences played out over a subtle tapestry of peatiness. Little wonder it’s almost like the go-to dram to celebrate those significant moments in history.
Following the release of last October of John Walker & Sons XR21 The Legacy Collection that featured the unique traits of three Malaysian Chinese clans, namely Cantonese, Hakka and Hokkien on the respective bottles, the brand is expanding the collection with designs that showcase the cultures and traditions of the Foochow, Hainan and Teochew clans.
Designed by Malaysian creative duo, Loka Made – comprising Chong Fei Giap and Audrey Chew – the rich Malaysian Chinese heritage can be clearly seen through each respective bottle design and packaging sleeve of the Foochow, Hainan and Teochew Pack. Illustrations on each of these bottle variations highlight the important values, cultures and traditions that have been practiced by these clans, passed down from one generation to the next.
The most noticeable element on the Foochow Pack is the Sibu Foochow Association in Sarawak – home to a portrait statue of historic scholar and community leader Huang Nai Shang, who brought to this part of the world the first group of Foochow immigrants to help develop the settlement and build a successful port in Sibu.
Meanwhile, the Hainan Pack features the illustration of Hainanese traversing the seas to pan for gold, giving birth to the common phrase ‘Gia Ti Bo Lai Huan’. Portrayals of food are also evident to commemorate the opening of various Hainanese coffee shops where Western cuisine influenced their cooking styles.
Finally, the last addition to The Legacy Collection presents the Teochew people’s belief in Xuan Tian Shang Di (God of the Profound Heavens) as they value their beliefs and have a tradition of public service to the community.
“As we further explore the rich and intriguing cultures, values and traditions of the Malaysian Chinese communities, we continue to see that they are strongly rooted in their beliefs and practices across their festivals, cuisines and mastery of their unique crafts. We believe that it will inspire the new generations to celebrate their rich heritage and craft for years to come,” said Rajesh Joshi, Marketing Director of Diageo Malaysia.
So, fancy a bottle for your own collection then? Well, the John Walker & Sons XR21 The Legacy Collection is available online at Johnnie Walker Malaysia’s Bar on Shopee, StayThirsty and Boozeat, as well as leading retail chains such as Village Grocer and Jaya Grocer nationwide.
