Dewar’s 12 Review

Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 am

Uncover all there is to know about Dewar’s 12 in this comprehensive review, offering precise answers to your inquiries without any unnecessary extras.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Dewar’s 12: A Dependable and Balanced Blended Scotch

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Dewar’s 12 strikes a good balance between affordability and quality. It’s a well-rounded blended Scotch whisky that offers a dependable drinking experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

A Step Up from White Label

Compared to Dewar’s White Label, the 12 year old expression feels more refined and justifies the slightly higher price tag. It delivers a smoother and more balanced drinking experience.

Classic Blended Scotch Profile

While Dewar’s 12 might not surprise you with complex flavors, it offers a classic blended Scotch profile that’s easy to sip and enjoy.

A Perfect Nightcap

Looking for a reliable and affordable nightcap? Dewar’s 12 fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank.

• Related: Best Cheap Scotch Whiskies
• Learn more: Dewar’s 12 Website

What’s unique about it?

• This is an updated version of Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor, which was discontinued.
• This is a blend of 40 single malt and grain whiskies.
• Double-barreled in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels.
• This new version is packaged with an updated label and a clear glass bottle.

How does it taste?

• Nose: Lime, orange, apricot, pear
• Palate: Lime, orange, caramel, vanilla
• Finish: Medium, oak spice, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Johnnie Walker Black Label

The nose is notably citric, initially presenting vibrant lime and orange notes, followed by hints of apricot and a subtle touch of pear.

A delicate hint of smoke is discernible, albeit faint, possibly easily missed.

On the palate, the flavor profile echoes the lime and orange notes from the nose, intertwined with elements of caramel and vanilla, along with a touch of cinnamon and pepper.

The finish is concise, accompanied by a modest warmth as it goes down, without excessive intensity.

There’s a hint of oak spice and pepper and a faint, fleeting smoky note.

Dewar’s 12 FAQ

Here is a quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Is it smoky?

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest level, Dewar’s 12 attains a score of ONE at most, indicating minimal smoke.

Price

• United States: $33
• Canada: $55
• Britain: £35
• Australia: $56

How to drink it?

• Add water: Adding water releases caramel notes, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Alcohol content

• Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), the average alcohol content of Scotch whisky.

Aging

• Dewar’s 12 is a blend of 40 different grain and malt whiskies, all aged for at least 12 years.

How is it made?

• The blend of 40 single malt and grain whiskies undergoes double aging and is finished in first-fill bourbon casks.

Does it expire?

• Alcohol doesn’t expire.
• Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and consume it before the content drops to 25% to prevent awkward flavor development.

How to store it?

• Store upright in a cool place, protecting it from sunlight, and ensure the bottle is not in contact with the stopper.

About Dewar’s

• Established in 1846 by John Dewar Sr., who created the brand by blending the finest whiskies from across Scotland.
• John A. Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar expanded the brand’s global presence, earning awards such as a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
• Aberfeldy Distillery was founded in 1896 to ensure a malt whisky supply for the blend.
• Dewar’s joined Distillers Company in 1925, later acquired by Guinness in 1986.
• The merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan formed Diageo in 1997, and Dewar’s was subsequently sold to Bacardi the following year.

How did I review Dewar’s 12?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Dewar’s 12: Specs

Type of Whisky	Blend
Age statement	12
Proof	80
ABV	40%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Moderately
Warm?	No
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	Yes
Good for cocktails?	Yes
Good with Coke?	Yes
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No