Dewar's 18 Years Old Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Perth, Scotland.
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: A blend of malt and grain whiskies from various distilleries, all aged for at least 18 years. After blending, the whisky is married in oak casks for several months.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a brown glass bottle with an outward bound lip, reminiscent of very old whisky bottles. The packaging includes a stand and historical details about the brand. The bottle also features engravings of three gold medals and specifies the malt distilleries contributing to the blend.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a smooth, light, and creamy aroma with a balance of vanilla, toffee, caramel, and floral notes, including rose blossom leaves. The flavor profile includes a distinct bitterness from grain whiskies matured in re-re-re-refill casks, leading to an aftertaste of coffee and dark chocolate.
Unique Characteristics: The heart of the blend is Aberfeldy, a honeyed, fruity single malt from the Central Highlands, contributing to the whisky's smoothness and layers of flavor. The inclusion of Craigellachie suggests a hint of smokiness.
Comparison: The Dewar's 18 is considered superior to the widely spread Dewar's White Label but does not reach the quality of the Dewar's Signature.

Anecdotes: John Dewar, the founder, was an early pioneer in blending single malt and single grain whiskies. His son and A.J. Cameron, the master blender, introduced the technique of marrying the blended whiskies in oak casks for several months, a practice that contributes to the whisky's smoothness and complex flavor profile.

Historical Context: Dewar's was established in 1846 and has become the most awarded blended Scotch in the world. The brand has supplied the royal household for over 100 years, emphasizing its prestigious reputation.
Geographical References: The blend includes single malts from Highland, Speyside, and Lowland distilleries, highlighting Scotland's diverse whisky-producing regions.

"This is not a selection process from casks, but an artisan work with the creation of a never-changing taste." - Horst Luening, emphasizing the craftsmanship behind Dewar's 18.
"If you're going for the milk chocolate, this is nothing for you. But if you say no milk chocolate, please the probably almonds, and this distinct bitterness." - Luening, describing the whisky's flavor profile.

Dewar's 18 Years Old is a blended Scotch whisky with a rich history and a complex flavor profile.
It is made from malt and grain whiskies aged for at least 18 years, married in oak casks for several months.
The blend is characterized by smooth, creamy aromas with notes of vanilla, toffee, caramel, and floral hints, leading to a bitter aftertaste of coffee and dark chocolate.
Dewar's has a prestigious reputation, being the most awarded blended Scotch in the world and a supplier to the royal household.
The whisky is recommended as a superior gift option for Dewar's White Label enthusiasts, to be enjoyed neat for a true taste experience.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complex blending process and the unique marriage technique make Dewar's 18 an interesting addition to a sophisticated collection.
For the Casual Drinker: Its smoothness and balanced flavor profile make it accessible for those looking to explore aged blended Scotch whiskies.
For the Gift Giver: An excellent choice for someone looking to gift a whisky with a rich history, prestigious reputation, and superior taste compared to more common blends.