Dewar’s 15 Year Old Scotch Review
By Father John Rayls
Rating: B
(Credit: John Rayls)
Sir Edwin Landseer created an oil painting known as “The Monarch of the Glen” in 1851, which became extremely popular through the 1800’s. The original was purchased by John Dewar & Sons in 1919.
I mention this bit of art history because Dewar’s current Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod, used the painting many decades later as inspiration for Dewar’s 15 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky. Her predecessor, Thomas Aitken, has said the backbone of the blend is a 27 year old malt whisky from Aberfeldy. This comment is an interesting lesson in that when the common consumer thinks of backbone, they would mean the single largest constituent in the blend, but that isn’t what Aiken meant. His use is meant more literally, the thing Macleod built the blend around. Still, it all goes to show that a 15 year age statement really does mean 15 years minimum.
The Scotch
The Scotch has a beautiful light, muddy copper color in the glass, with highlights of white and polished brass. The legs appeared a little thinner than in the 12 Year Old and were readily apparent.
The nose was subtle, with aromas of malt, honey, oak, floral and light fruit and very light smoke, showing a little of the Sherry cask influence. There was some slight nose burn present too, despite the subtlety.
The mouthfeel was creamy and soft. Most of the mouth action was from mid-palate towards the back. I found the flavor profile to be very subtle as well with light notes of floral and oak. The finish was short to medium in length and continues the overall feel of softness with some warming at the very back of the mouth with light vanilla and oak.
Dewar’s 15 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is an easy sipping whisky both neat and with water or ice. It is also very suitable for Scotch-based cocktails.
The Price
Because Dewar’s is the most popular scotch in America, even this 15 Year Old is available almost everywhere and the prices are all over the map. However, you should find most pricing between $45.00 and $60.00.
Honey and toffee on the nose with a hint of smoke. Very shy, even after 20 minutes in Glencairn glass. Nose is young than 15yo, grain alcohol is prominent. Honey and toffee continues on the palate with sultanas. and nuts. Feel a little thin, but very smooth, no burn. Quality and old malts are present, but this blend is too delicate. Finish is short/medium, with honey, touch of smoke and spices. A solid but, shy blend that doesn’t offer much more than the already good Dewar’s 12. Inoffensive, but forgettable. Compass Box King Street, Old Parr 12 are less expensive and offer more than this. Makes a good gift for someone who doesn’t drink scotch often.
I bought a bottle of this today, mainly because I could not find JW Green, which I sampled last week and enjoyed very much. I tend to like Dewar’s’ house style; soft and sweet but unafraid to allow the grain to show itself. This whisky is reasonably-priced (Bowmore 12 was 30% more expensive than The Monarch in the same shop). This expression is…uncomplicated. I’ve seen reviews claiming to taste all sorts of things in this whisky and I think it is fanciful nonsense. No, there isn’t “roasted bananas with a hint of French lilac blossom.”
I am a tiny bit disappointed due to one aspect of this dram; the finish is far too short.
A good one: french lilac blossom 🙂 Almost as an afternoon walk in an apple orchard by the sea ;)This is why I always go straight to „overall impression” section of each review. Cheers.