The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Father John Rayls
Rating: B+
Dewar’s 12 Year Old
(Credit: Bacardi)
Because I am a devoted a Bourbon drinker, my palate is pretty open when it comes to my favored spirit, and that means I enjoy some bottom shelf and exotic offerings with relish. However, Scotch is a much different scenario, and my preferences are more narrow.
Even though I hadn’t tasted Dewar’s White Label before, I thought I didn’t need to because it was one of those lower cost offerings that just wouldn’t work for me. Yet I recently got a crack at the 80 Proof Dewar’s 12 Year Old “The Ancestor.” I don’t want to say I felt the earth move (Carole King) under my feet, but I did discover a very enjoyable, lower cost blended Scotch Whisky
The Scotch
The coloring is dark gold, light brown plus some faint reddish tints. There are copper highlights as the light passes through and reflects off of the whisky. The legs are reluctant but steady once they get started, creating some interesting expectations.
The nose is a very pleasant surprise. It’s middlingly aggressive in nature, but without any alcohol burn. It’s full of sweet oak, fruit and accompanied by a nice floral compliment.
Matching the reluctant, long slow legs, there is a nice creamy mouthfeel with a subtle to medium intensity on the palate. It occurs primarily from mid-tongue and back including the roof of the mouth. The flavors are a warm honey, oak and faint spiciness with light smoke. The finish is medium to long and continues with a sweet malt presence while transitioning to a soft pepper and slight smoke even out to the front of the mouth including the lips.
Dewar’s 12 Year Old
(Credit: John Rayls)
This a well balanced scotch whisky that makes for easy sipping neat. I’m sure it would be a very good mixer as well, but I enjoyed it too much to not continue sipping it neat. No water or ice is needed to fully enjoy this 40% ABV blend.
The Price
Dewar’s 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky “The Ancestor” is readily available across the country in the neighborhood 0f $27.00 to $35.00. This should be easily within all whisky consumers’ budgets and well worth the effort.
