Dewar's Scratched Cask

I'll begin by saying it's superior to JW Red Label, though that's not high praise. The aroma is acrid, with prominent chemical notes like turpentine and acetone. With some searching, a faint hint of honeysuckle and a fresh floral bouquet might be detected. Even after resting, the chemical scent lingers, though less intensely. The mouthfeel is weak, and while a hint of malt can be found with effort, the grains overpower the spirit. There are fleeting traces of heather, honey, and vanilla, but they are masked by astringency and cereal notes. The finish is brief, and honestly, I'm fine with that. It's not undrinkable, but the rest of this bottle will be relegated to cooking, and I will never buy another for my collection. I had high hopes, especially after hearing great things from a friend, but ultimately, I've confirmed my dislike for anything Dewar's and that my friend and I have vastly different preferences.

Sitting by the fireplace on an unbelievably warm December evening with some Christmas music playing, so I figured I might as well be sipping a scotch. The initial wave of aromas begins with tangerine and salted caramel. As it develops over a fair amount of time, cinnamon notes become noticeable. A soft, thin texture on the palate carries caramel, which quickly gives way to a bitter orange rind. A small amount of black pepper starts the finish. The palate is left with the bitterness of the rind and some cinnamon. Adding a small amount of water slightly mutes the nose but does not change the aromas. The sweeter aspects of the dram are brought out, highlighting bourbon traits of brown sugar and vanilla. A much better dram with water and is essential. Decent for what it is: a blended, sweet, Dewars scotch. The high review prompted my initial interest, but I found myself disappointed as I expected more. 79/100 [Opened: [Date]; Revisited: [Date]]

I notice this for $12 a litre, practically begging to be purchased. Alright, I'll take two. A curious offspring of scotch and bourbon. Perhaps the scotch ventured to the States for business. It encountered bourbon. They figured it would be a brief fling, a casual encounter at the airport bar. Disregarding loyalty and vows, the intense connection that was only meant to be momentary lust transforms into lifelong child support and concealed family secrets. However, in this instance, that passionate encounter results in a very oaky, smoky aroma with a spirited and rich mouthfeel. Abundant vanilla and oak, minimal malt whisky character, but a captivating hybrid of scotch and bourbon that succeeds admirably. I discovered this on discount, hence the low price.

This is one of Dewar's better offerings, but it lacks intensity. It's a very light dram, full of sweetness and fruitiness. With all the mild, floral, and airy notes present, it lacks a solid flavor to guide the drinker through the tasting experience. It was pleasant enough to consume (especially considering the price – around $25 at my local store) and offered nice hints of vanilla and molasses, but the taste fades quickly from the palate, resulting in a completely forgettable Scotch. Similar to inexpensive cologne, it makes a strong initial impression, suggests some depth and complexity, but ultimately dissolves too fast.

On the nose: artificial orange juice, York peppermint patties, and mild chocolate. Similar on the palate; all elements are quite subtle, including hints of cinnamon and pineapple juice. The finish offers vanilla and a mouthfeel reminiscent of the salt residue after eating bacon and eggs, though without the bacon and egg taste. This is a gentle spirit, suitable for newcomers to whisky, like my father, sister, or any beginner. It has its purpose and place, not showy, but pleasing. I'd liken it to my Aberlour 12 yr Double Cask, but more subdued and easier to sip.

I purchased this because of the high rating here (a lesson learned: trust established sources, not new ones). The aroma is almost like acetone. A smell that brings back memories of my sophomore chemistry class is not a good sign. The flavor is even worse. Lacking depth or character, with a bitter, scratchy sensation at the back of the throat. I haven't tried many blends before; perhaps I'm accustomed to the ones I have enjoyed (Hibiki 12 and 17, and the Compass Box selections). But, spend a little more and get the Compass Box Great King St blend... For a bit more money, the caliber is significantly superior.