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Dewar’s Scotch Whisky
Single malt whisky forms the bulk of reviews here at WhiskyReviews.net, but every now and again I like to try out a few blends and a recent trip to Aberfeldy Distillery presented me with the opportunity to sample some of the Dewar’s range.
John Dewar founded his wine and spirits shop in Perth in 1846, unknowingly beginning a journey that would etch his name, and that of his two sons, into the history books of scotch whisky. Dewar began blending his own brand of scotch in 1860 and when his sons took over the business, they took the product to the world.
John and Thomas Dewar took over their fathers business when he passed away in 1880. With John running the day to day affairs, Thomas set off to see the world, spreading the word of Dewar’s wherever he went. In 1892 he embarked on a two year journey which took in some 26 countries, including multiple stops in the USA (Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco), Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, China and Hong Kong. Thomas, or Tommy, was a charismatic man who enjoyed great success selling his product. By the time he returned home to Scotland, the Dewar’s name was well known on both sides of the Atlantic and across the Pacific. Tommy kept a journal of his travels, commenting on the places he visited, the people he met and the sights he saw. His writing was published in 1894 as ‘A Ramble Around the Globe’.
Following Tommy’s success in growing the brand, Dewar & Sons was ready to expand and in 1898, John commissioned the building of a distillery at Aberfeldy. Even today, Aberfeldy continues to supply the malt at the heart of the Dewar’s recipe and houses the ‘Dewar’s World of Whisky’ museum, dedicated to John, his sons and the brand they created.
Today, Dewar’s is owned by Bacardi though John & Tommy’s ‘White Label’ brand remains the flagship expression. The 12 year old version meanwhile, offers a touch more maturity and sophistication, thanks in part to a six month marrying period where the vatted components are put back into casks for six months.
On the nose there’s Coconut, Almond, Malt and Cereal, Honey and some light Fruit notes. The palate meanwhile offers Honey, Corn, some Toffee, slightly Burnt Toast and a strong hint of Aniseed.
Smell: Coconut, Almond, Malt and Cereal, Honey and some light Fruit notes
Taste: Honey, Corn, some Toffee, slightly Burnt Toast and a strong hint of Aniseed.
Thoughts: £30 isn’t bad for a 12-year-old blended Scotch. Though some may look at single malts of a similar price and consider them a better buy, which is fair enough, but Dewar’s is a product of decent quality. It’s got good balance between the creamy grain whisky and the characterful malt components and while it isn’t the most robust flavour profile I’ve come across, it’s far from bland. A tasty everyday blended Scotch. Nothing more, nothing less.
*If the whisky reviewed in this article has caught your eye, you can buy it from Master of Malt here. Please be aware that as an affiliate I can be paid a small commission on any purchases you make after following links from my page. The whisky is also available from several other excellent retailers.
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