Dewar's 18 Year

NOSE: Cola, dark red cherries, peach and pear, dried peat (but no smoke), caramel, vanilla, bread pudding with a subtle chocolate drizzle. Explored with different glassware (above is on the rocks with one ice cube, my usual preference to observe how a dram evolves with warmth and dilution). A Glencairn glass reveals intriguing characteristics: bacon and then s'mores – fully prepared, fresh from the campfire, not just the components. I still don't detect actual smoke, only items that have been smoked. Quite fascinating. A neat glass is disappointing; the fruit is more prominent, but little else is added. PALATE: Creamy, smooth, and rich. Vanilla cream and/or custard, dark red fruit, subtle chocolate notes, and (yes) Graham crackers (there are the s'mores, without the smoke). Small hints of caramel and sea salt appear. A touch of woodiness and bitterness at the beginning of the finish, then transitions to spice. The spice itself doesn't seem to have a distinct flavor, just a lingering warmth (akin to capsaicin). The tannins and bitterness persist, but at acceptable, perhaps even enjoyable, levels. Over time, more chocolate emerges in the finish, though it's less pronounced than in the 15-year expression. (Also, no significant difference in the palate between glass types.) Purchased specifically to compare with the 15-year expression reviewed a few weeks prior. I considered that a great value blend and a significant upgrade from the 12-year. This, however, is truly more distinct than superior to the 15-year. It is undoubtedly more subtle and perhaps more nuanced, especially on the nose, but the overall experience likely doesn't justify the additional cost, unless one truly appreciates packaging that appears premium but is actually cheap plastic and cardboard. This bottle boasts that in abundance – an oversized box with a side-sliding opening and a heavier, more ornate bottle. Discarded the box immediately and have no intention of keeping the bottle. Begin digression: (Actually, there's a hint of pretentiousness and waste in all that which slightly irritates me now that I reflect on it. It's all designed to be kept after consumption as some prized possession, but it's a readily available $50 blended Scotch, man! If you're saving this for display... never mind. I don't keep any bottles. Photos of partially consumed bottles suffice for me.) End digression.

A gift bottle from late last year, this older expression was opened after enjoying the younger version. The aroma is richer than anticipated, with notes of fresh baked bread and cherries, quickly followed by lemon peel, malted grains, and warming spices. It truly evokes a Christmas dessert. The taste doesn't quite match the sugary expectation set by the scent. It starts with more grain, shifts to dark chocolate with a bittersweet edge, and finishes with vanilla and hints of those spices from the nose. The texture is quite light and somewhat subdued. The finish is negligible, almost non-existent. The palate was a bit underwhelming following such a promising aroma. Sampling all three versions consecutively, it appears extended aging has softened this too much for my preference. The younger ones had a zest that made them more engaging, but as it was a present, it will certainly be consumed with pleasure.

I expected more from this, given my positive experience with the 15 year old. The aroma is really impressive, with notes of fresh berries and apricots. However, the taste lacks those qualities and presents a mild peatiness that feels uncoordinated. There's a musty characteristic that I find off-putting. The finish is brief, with hints of oak and a swamp-like quality. While the peat level isn't intense, the overall peat presence isn't very appealing. I preferred the 15 year old, possibly due to its lack of peat. I may try it again later. Ultimately, I think this spirit lacks a clear identity. It's not terrible, but it's far from excellent. Enjoy!

The final one of three, sampled after the 12, 15, and 18 year olds side-by-side. The nose has honey and an herbal note I can't quite place. The palate features a distinct lemon peel flavor I missed in the 12 and 15, plus vanilla, of course. A hint of dulce de leche, but on the lighter side. The finish is reminiscent of black tea. Overall, I believe the quality improvement from the 12 to the 15 is greater than from the 15 to the 18. Still, a decent 80 proof blended scotch sip.

Allowing this to rest for six months in a bottle that's seven-eighths full greatly enhanced it. The turpentine and astringent qualities noted during the initial tasting have vanished. This is a subtle and delicate whiskey. The honey and floral aromas on the nose are now complemented by some cereal grains; the palate is silky, oily, and coating with malt and heather; the finish is long, smoky, and warming.

After trying the standard 12-year-old in a poorly supplied hotel bar, I looked for a bottle of Dewar's 12-year-old. I could only find this 18-year-old version. Initially, it wasn't the light profile I sought with the 12-year-old, and I was disappointed. However, I eventually came to appreciate it for its qualities: a superb, richer blend full of complexity and flavor.