Dewar’s 12 vs 15 vs 18

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:40 am

Discover the differences between Dewar’s 12 vs Dewar’s 15 vs Dewar’s 18 in this comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Dewar’s 12 vs Dewar’s 15 vs Dewar’s 18: Comparison

Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor: A bright blend of citrus and warmth, featuring lime, orange, and vanilla. Refreshing with a medium spicy finish. Sip with water for enhanced caramel notes.

Dewar’s 15: Offers smooth, easy sipping with apple, honey, and cinnamon. A light, fruity finish. Best enjoyed with a splash of water for a softer experience.

Dewar’s 18: Begins with a festive nose of fresh bread and cherries but delivers a less vibrant palate of oak and sour apples. Short, smoky finish. Water may open subtle flavors.

Verdict: Both Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor and Dewar’s 15 shine for their approachable, refreshing profiles, each offering a unique sipping experience. Dewar’s 18 intrigues with its aroma but may leave palates seeking more depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, appealing to different tastes without a clear winner.

Related: Best Cheap Scotches

Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor: A Refreshing Citrus Journey with Depth

• 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: Dewar’s White Label

Dewar’s 12 “The Ancestor” offers a refreshing and balanced experience compared to its younger counterparts. Think of it as a sunny day’s escape, filled with citrusy notes and subtle warmth.

A Zesty First Impression:

The aroma opens with a burst of invigorating citrus, featuring lime and orange. Apricot adds a juicy sweetness, and a hint of pear lingers in the background. A subtle wisp of smoke might tickle your nose, but it’s more like a campfire ember than a smoky room.

A Delightful Dance on the Palate:

On the tongue, Dewar’s 12 continues the citrus theme with lime and orange, but it doesn’t stop there. Pleasant hints of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon join the party, adding warmth and complexity. A touch of pepper adds a surprising kick, keeping things interesting.

A Smooth Farewell:

The finish is short and smooth, leaving a gentle warmth behind. Oak spice, pepper, and a delicate touch of smoke linger gracefully, reminding you of the journey you just took.

Is it Worth the Trip?

This updated version of Dewar’s 12 is a definite improvement. It’s well-balanced, enjoyable to sip neat, and surprisingly good for its price. A dash of water unlocks even more delightful caramel notes, adding another layer to the experience.

Compared to the standard Dewar’s, it’s a clear step up. While it might not be the most complex whiskey on the shelf, it offers a refreshing and pleasant journey that makes it more suitable for sipping than just mixing into cocktails.

So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly whiskey with a balanced and citrusy profile, consider embarking on this journey with Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a casual and enjoyable dram.

Dewar’s 12 facts:

• This is a blend of 40 single malt and grain whiskies.

• Double-barreled in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels.

Dewar’s 15: Smooth & Enjoyable, But Lacks Wow Factor

• Nose: Apple, honey, pear, caramel
• Palate: Pear, honey, cinnamon, orange
• Finish: Short, dry, fruity, honey
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Glenfiddich 12

Dewar’s 15 steps up from its younger siblings, offering a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Think of it as the friendly neighbor you chat with over a glass on a sunny afternoon.

A Gentle Introduction:

The nose welcomes you with light and pleasant notes of apple, honey, and caramel, sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon. A faint whisper of alcohol might be there, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Mouthfeel & Flavor:

Dewar’s 15 feels silky smooth on the tongue, almost oily, making it enjoyable to sip. The flavors dance around fruity notes like pear, apple, orange, and honey, with a touch of cinnamon adding warmth.

A Light Farewell:

The finish is short and sweet, leaving behind lingering hints of orange and a slightly dry sensation. It’s more refreshing than warming, perfect for a casual drink.

Is it Worth Raising a Glass?

It’s definitely not a bad dram. It’s smooth, easy to drink, and lacks harsh or unpleasant notes. However, at this price point, you might find similar or even better-tasting Scotch blends like Monkey Shoulder, a blend of Single Malts offering more complexity, or Aberfeldy 12, a Single Malt that’s a key component of Dewar’s blend and available at a slightly lower price.

Ultimately, Dewar’s 15 is a solid choice for those seeking a smooth and approachable Scotch. But if you’re looking for an explosion of flavor or exceptional value, you might want to explore other options.

Dewar’s 15 facts:

• This is a blended Scotch made from up to 40 different whiskies.

• The whiskies are aged in either ex-bourbon or ex-sherry before being happily married in oak casks.

Dewar’s 18: A Holiday Nose With Less-Than-Festive Palate

• Nose: Fresh bread, cherries, orange, baking spice
• Palate: Oak, sour apples, ripe fruit, peat
• Finish: Short, smoke, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Johnnie Walker 18

Dewar’s 18 might lure you in with its enchanting aroma, reminiscent of a warm Christmas cake – think fresh bread, juicy cherries, zesty orange, and a sprinkle of cozy baking spices. It’s like your senses are unwrapping a delightful holiday gift!

However, the magic doesn’t fully translate to the taste. Instead of a festive explosion, your palate encounters a somewhat thin body characterized by musty oak and tart apple notes. Ripe fruit tries to join the party, but it feels more like an afterthought.

While a subtle hint of peat tries to add intrigue, it’s more like a shy guest barely making a whisper. The finish is short-lived, leaving behind a fleeting echo of smoke and oaky spice bitterness, reminiscent of distant holiday cheer.

Is it a party worth attending? Not necessarily. While it’s not an awful dram, the unfulfilled promise of the aroma and the lackluster palate leave you wanting more. It’s like opening a beautifully wrapped present to find…well, not what you expected.

For the price, there are other options offering a more complete and engaging experience. Consider the Glenlivet 14, bursting with smooth complexity, or the Glenmorangie Lasanta, a sherried delight with layers of warmth and flavor. They might not have the initial festive charm, but they deliver a more satisfying finish to your whisky journey.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember, sometimes the most beautifully wrapped gifts don’t always contain the most exciting treasures.

Dewar’s 18 facts:

• This is a blend of single malt and grain whiskies coming from 5 different distilleries owned by Dewar’s.

• Aged in American oak before being blended and refilled into an oak vat.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Dewar’s 12	$24
Dewar’s 15	$37
Dewar’s 18	$49