Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Scotch Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

One of the things to come out of the Japanese whisky explosion a decade ago was the introduction of many whisky enthusiasts to Japan’s Mizunara oak. Whiskies finished in this wood have been appearing in a steady trickle ever since, often as limited editions. Mizunara is a scarce wood (the trees aren’t mature until they are past two centuries old, compared with seven or eight decades for American white oak), and I’m told it is finicky to work with as well (those slow-growing trees don’t grow straight). While it imparts unique flavors, it is not the kind of thing one builds a mass market or major premium brand expression around.

Enter Dewar’s, the blended Scotch brand that has particular ties to the United States, as it was once the top-selling whisky in this country. The Double Double part of the name refers to the two-fold and doubled elements in the blended whisky. First, Master Blender Stephanie Macleod chooses casks of 21 year old malts, presumably sourced from all the usual sources for Dewar’s (presumably, but not necessarily, as these things aren’t transparent), as well as 21 year old grain whisky. This liquid is then blended and given a stint of secondary maturation in the new Mizunara casks. Double Double is a line of 21 year old blended whiskies, each with their own finish. The first was in the almost expected ex-Sherry casks. How long the finishing period is isn’t said, but from there the whisky is bottled at 46% ABV.

The Scotch
The look of this pour in my copita glass is golden, while the nose smacks of green apples and Anjou pears, cut grass, honey and hints of vanilla and sandalwood. On the palate, the honey holds on as the foundation of the sweetness, along with the light touch of vanilla, but the fruity aspect morphs to lemon zest. The sandalwood note grows to occupy a proper supporting role on stage, joined by an almond nuttiness and a sliver of more traditional oak. The finish rolls out mildly, carrying something akin to citrus blossom honey until it fades to a vaguely incenses-driven note.

Dewar’s put it together well here. The whisky is very mature, superbly balanced and shows a degree of complexity. Combine that with the price (see below) and it should figure prominently on the shopping list of anyone looking for a good blended Scotch whisky around the $150 mark.

The Price
This 21 year old Scotch is available for $149.99 per 750 ml bottle, which is a pretty good bargain considering 1) some previous releases in the 21 Year Old Double Double line were in 375 ml bottles; and 2) it’s a 21 year old blend.