About this whisky

Dewar's has been blending Scotch in Perth since John Dewar set up as a wine and spirits merchant in the 1840s, and the 18 Year Old is the flagship of its range today. The whiskies are matured for at least 18 years, then married together and returned to oak casks for around six more months. Dewar's calls this double ageing, and it gives the blend an exceptionally smooth, integrated feel. The range is overseen by Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, a multi-award-winning blender.

In the glass it is creamy and generous, opening with dark fruits such as plum and black cherry, then toffee, marzipan and a touch of warming spice before a soft finish of oak and vanilla. It has won gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 and Double Gold at San Francisco in 2023. A quietly impressive bottle for anniversaries, a senior colleague's farewell, or a long, unhurried evening at home.

Key facts

• Aged 18 years, then 'double aged': blended and rested in oak casks for a further six months
• Flagship of the Dewar's range
• Created under Master Blender Stephanie Macleod
• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2024; Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023

Tasting notes

Nose:

Dark fruit, toffee and gentle oak

Palate:

Creamy, with plum, black cherry, toffee, marzipan and warming spice

Finish:

Soft oak with a hint of vanilla

Serve

Neat, or with a few drops of still water to bring out the fruit and marzipan.

Food pairing

Lovely with dark chocolate, a slice of rich fruit cake, or a slow-cooked mutton biryani with its warm spices.