Whisky I've Drank: Dewar's Aged 18 Years The Vintage

By Greg GreatDrams
One of the biggest names in the Scotch industry, Dewar’s have been in the game for decades, and with the Dewar’s 18 Year Old, you can see exactly why.
Humble Beginnings
The brand was first founded by John Dewar, in a little grocery store on Perth High Street.
This was not unheard of, as many blends started out life in the same way, and they soon boomed in popularity, and the name Dewar was known across Scotland. The brand passed on to John Dewar Jr. in 1880, and he brought his brother, a maverick and socialite, Tommy on board as partner.
Tommy transformed the brand, selling it up and down the UK as well as across the globe.
Growing the family name
Dewar’s have not remained as a single brand, but instead, they have come to incorporate several well known Scotch whisky brands.
These include Royal Brackla, Aultmore, Aberfeldy, The Deveron and Craigellachie.
Core ranges from each of these were all originally released as part of the “Last Great Malts” series, though now are characters, award-winners and brands in their own right. They did impressively well and were received with high praise.
Today Dewar’s is owned by Bacardi. Their Aberfeldy distillery is open to the public and has won many awards as a tourist attraction.
The Dewar’s core range is made up of Dewar’s White Label, Dewar’s 12 Year Old, Dewar’s 15 Year Old and Dewar’s 18 Year Old.
The Dewar’s 18 Year Old
This award winning malt has been double aged, meaning it was first aged for 18 years in oak casks, before being mixed together to be “married” for a time for extra smoothness.
It is a brilliant example of the quality and skill at Dewar’s, particularly Master Blender Stephanie MacLeod.
The nose opens with lots of honey and almonds. It is sweet and rich from the very beginning.
The almond is thick and sugary, with a nutty tone that adds a bit of depth. This ties in well with the oak notes of the barrel, which are chewy and soft.
There are delicate floral and herby notes coming through as well.
The palate is bountiful and brimming with orchard flavours. Oak wood, juicy apples, pears and dew covered grass all fill the mouth.
There is also a lovely, thick cereal note that comes through, with wheat and oats standing out. These are wonderfully subtle but flavoursome, especially against the tang of the fruit,
It has a gentle waft of peat smoke throughout that certainly does not overwhelm but gently warms and piques your interest ever so slightly.
The almonds become more like vanilla, with a smooth texture and sweetness to it.
The finish is bold, with lots of oak and a little hint of vanilla and malted cereals.
This is an excellent malt that simply cannot be ignored. If you’ve never tried Dewar’s before, then definitely reach for an 18 Year Old. You will not be disappointed.