In 1846, John Dewar began blending the finest whisky he could source in Scotland and bottling it with his own name on the label. Within a decade, Dewar was supplying whisky to bars and hotels throughout Scotland. By the turn of the century, the brand had expanded to become one of the best selling whiskies in the world and today, remains the best selling Scotch whisky in the United States.
Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky — the flagship whisky of John Dewar & Sons Co. — is crafted by blending together “the rarest of rare whiskies from across Scotland.” The backbone of the whisky is a 27 year-old single malt whisky that is crafted at Aberfeldy Distillery, according to master blender Thomas Aitken. Once the 27 year-old is married together with other whiskies, the resulting blend is allowed to rest again in oak casks. This secondary maturation process “is a marriage made in heaven — ensuring our whiskies are even smoother and creamier,” says Aitken.
As a result of its unique components and maturation process, Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky has a deep amber color, along with an aroma of maple, honey, anise and smoke. The aroma gives way to notes of rich, creamy vanilla, honey, rock candy and licorice on the palate. The finish is long and warm, with a touch of heathery, floral notes.
Dewar’s Scotch 15 Year is an intermediate expression, expanding upon the 12 and 18 year olds in the lineup. Mixed by Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, this single malt is a blend of up to 40 whiskies aged in ex-sherry and bourbon casks, then married together in oak casks. Blending is an art, finding harmony can be challenge as older and younger whiskies have their own unique characteristics. But Dewars has proved themselves masters of this alchemy with their world renowned line-up.