Dewar’s 12 vs Dewar’s 15

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:45 am

Explore the distinctions between Dewar’s 12 and Dewar’s 15 in this head-to-head comparison to determine which Scotch suits your taste!

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: Comparison

Dewar’s 12-Year-Old The Ancestor: Bright and balanced, this blend brings together zesty citrus with a hint of smokiness. Lime, orange, and hints of caramel make for a refreshing sip. Medium finish with a touch of spice.

Dewar’s 15: Smooth and fruity, with a nose of apple and honey. The palate is a rich blend of pear, honey, and cinnamon, offering an easy-drinking experience. The finish is short and sweet, leaving a clean aftertaste.

Verdict: Both Dewar’s 12 and Dewar’s 15 offer distinct tastes. The Ancestor shines with its bright citrus and balanced flavor, while the 15-year-old version provides a smooth, fruity charm. Each provides a unique experience, catering to different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Cheap Scotch Selections

Dewar’s 12-Year-Old The Ancestor: A Bright and Balanced Blend

• 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

A Citrusy First Impression

Dewar’s 12 Year Old The Ancestor opens with a burst of citrus unlike its predecessor, the Dewar’s 12. Zesty lime and orange notes create a bright and inviting aroma, followed by hints of stone fruits like apricot and pear. A subtle touch of smokiness adds an intriguing layer of complexity.

A Dance of Flavors

The citrus party continues on the palate, with lime and orange flavors taking center stage. These brighter notes are joined by a delightful dance of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. A touch of peppery spice adds a layer of intrigue, keeping things interesting.

A Lingering Warmth

The finish is gentle and warming, leaving behind hints of oak spice, pepper, and a faint echo of smokiness. It’s a pleasant goodbye that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

More Than Just Decent

How you judge The Ancestor depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s why it stands out:

• A Step Up: Compared to the Dewar’s 12, The Ancestor offers a clear improvement in balance and overall enjoyment.
• Value for Money: While not the most complex dram, it delivers a pleasant sipping experience at a fair price point.
• Water Reveals More: Adding a splash of water can further unlock hidden notes of caramel, enriching the flavor profile.

Beyond the Basics

The Ancestor isn’t just for sipping neat. Here’s its versatility:

• Grad Up from White Label: This blend represents a significant step up from Dewar’s White Label, making it a more satisfying choice for neat sipping.
• Cocktail Upgrade: The Ancestor also elevates classic cocktails like the Rob Roy, adding an extra layer of complexity to your mixed drinks.

In Conclusion

Dewar’s 12 Year Old The Ancestor offers a bright, citrusy, and balanced sipping experience with subtle complexities. It might not be the most intricate whiskey on the market, but it delivers good value for its price. Whether you’re seeking a pleasant neat pour or an elevated base for cocktails, The Ancestor is a solid choice.

Dewar’s 12 Year Old The Ancestor Facts

• This blend is crafted from a combination of 40 single malts and grain whiskies.
• It undergoes double-barreling in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, influencing the flavor profile.
• This new version boasts an updated label and a clear glass bottle for a more contemporary look.
• Dewar’s is owned by the Bermuda-based Bacardi Limited.

Dewar’s 15: Easy-Drinking Scotch with Fruity Charm

• 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: Monkey Shoulder

A Gentle Introduction

Dewar’s 15 offers a smooth and approachable introduction to the world of Scotch whisky. Its light and inviting aromas of apple, honey, and caramel create a welcoming first impression, with a subtle hint of cinnamon and alcohol.

Fruity Delight

On the palate, Dewar’s 15 delivers a rich and oily texture. Flavors of pear, honey, apple, and orange dance across the tongue, accented by a touch of warming cinnamon. The overall impression is smooth and easy-drinking, perfect for sipping neat.

A Refreshing Finish

The aftertaste is short and clean, leaving a lingering touch of fruitiness with minimal warmth. It’s a refreshing departure that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

More Than Just Easy-Drinking

Let’s be honest:

• Solid Choice, Not a Revelation: While Dewar’s 15 is a step up from other Dewar’s expressions, it might not be the most complex dram. Compared to some competitors in the same price range, it can seem a bit one-dimensional.
• Worth Exploring Other Options: If a similar flavor profile and price point are what you’re looking for, Monkey Shoulder offers a blend of single malts that might surprise you. Aberfeldy 12, a single malt that’s a key component of the Dewar’s blend, is also slightly cheaper and boasts a distinct character.

The Final Sip

Dewar’s 15 is a dependable choice for those seeking a smooth and approachable Scotch. It’s pleasant to drink, offers a delightful fruity character, and avoids any harshness. However, if you’re an experienced drinker looking for a more complex or exciting experience, exploring other options in the same price range might be more rewarding.

Dewar’s 15 Facts

• This is a blended Scotch whisky crafted from a combination of up to 40 different single malt and grain whiskies.
• The component whiskies are aged in either ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks before being blended and married in oak casks for a unified character.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

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