Perhaps Dewar’s isn’t the most outstanding blended whisky—at least for me—but it has been on the market forever, especially with the famous (and infamous) White Label. However, in recent years, I’ve seen more of their aged products, including the one at hand.
This 15-year expression is made from malt and grain whiskies aged for at least the stated period, which are then blended and left to rest for six months in oak casks, though it does not specify what they previously contained.
Although all the whiskies are aged at their respective distilleries, the finishing is done at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, located in Highland Perthshire, Scotland.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
Distillation: Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
Name: 15-Year-Old Blend Whisky.
Brand: Dewar’s.
Origin: Scotland.
Age: 15 years.
Price: $47.00 USD.
Nose: It feels as basic as one would expect from a relatively aged whisky, with aromas of vanilla, melon, banana, apple, and orange. There is also a slightly floral note.
Palate: Very smooth, but not as rich as on the nose: sourdough, butter, vanilla, and caramel, but also softer fruit notes.
Retrohale/Finish: Apples and melon (green melon?).
Rating: 6.5 on the t8ke scale.
Conclusion: Although I’m not a fan of blended whiskies, Dewar’s 15 feels much better and richer than the 12-year version. The flavors are more integrated, and it’s a more pleasant experience, especially with ice.
Most of these types of spirits—at least in my experience—are consumed more for their price than their age. While a Monkey Shoulder can be acquired for a similar price, I consider it to be better, even though it doesn’t contain grain whisky. But, well… that’s also a subjective matter.
