Review | Antiquary 21 Years Old

The 21 Years Old forms the centrepoint of the Antiquary blended Scotch whisky range. The famous and highly regarded blend is one of Scotland’s oldest blended brands. This expression features single malts from the Highlands and Speyside, including its spiritual home of Tomatin. The blend also includes single grain whisky from the Lowlands.

All have been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks before lengthy 3-year marrying period in ex-Port casks. These are sourced from Portugal’s famous Douro Valley. There are also age statements at 15 Years Old and 30 Years Old in the range. These have been married in ex-Claret red wine from Bordeaux, France and ex-sherry casks from Jerez, Spain respectively.

The Antiquary is a blend of the Victorian era. It was first registered as a brand in 1888 and was named after Sir Walter Scott’s gothic novel The Antiquary. The blend was created by JW Hardie Ltd. This was formed of James Hardie – a former Edinburgh grocer specialising in wine, spirits and tea – and his two sons, John and William.

The Antiquary had its heyday in the 1980s, when it became hugely popular. The current brand owners are The Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. They purchased The Antiquary in 1996. They in turn have been owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd. since 1985.

The Antiquary 21 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and is available worldwide via selected specialist whisky retailers. It is most popular in France and southern Europe, Japan, South America, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost around £95.

---

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is a deep russet amber and the nose is vibrant, rich and with a wisp of expressive peat smoke. Aromas of dark raisin, milk chocolate and caramel lead the way and are supported by candied orange peel, malty biscuits and baked apple. The smoke is gentle and intertwines itself around everything. There is a soft ashy quality to it, but also a distinct heather-like floral edge.

On the palate this whisky feels rich, sweet and decadent. Luscious early notes of caramel, fairground toffee apple and raisin give way to prune, dried fig and candied orange peel. The combination is delightful. Hints of cloved poached pear and milk chocolate also come through, as do further hints of cocoa powder and gentle baking spice. Think of cinnamon bark and powdered ginger here.

The gentle peat smoke is never far way and again wisps around everything. It binds each characteristic to create harmony. There is a soft and earthy vibe to it, plus a hint of ash and that dried heather floral note from the nose. It has a delightful elegance. The smoke begins to dry out the palate towards the end.

This feeling carries through to the finish. The sweet, rich and fruity elements slowly fade to give the drying smoke a platform. It takes hold and draws the finish out and gives a warming savoury feel. This is remiscent of old cigar box with a hint of dusty sootiness.

---

What’s The Verdict?

Wow. This really is a stunning whisky. The combination of rich, sweet and fruity notes with a pleasant level of gentle, soft peat smoke is sublime. There is an elegance an classiness to the whisky.

This Antiquary 21 Years Old gives its competitiors a serious run for their money in this premium blended Scotch category – think of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which is a significantly higher price, for example. This offers great value for money considering the age, and should be in your drinks cabinet. And the bottle design is achingly cool and retro.