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Dewar’s 15 Review

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

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J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore all the details about Dewar’s 15 in my thorough review that comprehensively answers your queries without any unnecessary filler.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Dewar’s 15: Smooth But Consider Exploring Further

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

dewars-15-review

Dewar’s 15 Year Old is a smooth and easy-drinking blended Scotch whisky. It offers a pleasant experience without any harsh flavors or burn.

A Step Up for Dewar’s Fans

Compared to other Dewar’s expressions, the 15 year old is a clear improvement. It boasts a creamier mouthfeel and a more balanced flavor profile.

Good, But Not the Best Value

While the price might seem reasonable, there are other blended Scotches and even some single malts around the same price that offer more complex or interesting flavors.

Solid Choice, But Explore Options

If you’re looking for a dependable and smooth blend, Dewar’s 15 is a good option. However, for those seeking a more unique flavor profile or a better value, exploring other whiskies within this price range might be more rewarding, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

What’s unique about it?

dewars-15-the-monarch
  • This is a blend of 40 single malt and grain whiskies.
  • The whiskies in the blend are aged in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry before being blended in oak casks.

How does it taste?

  • 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

The nose is delicate, initially revealing traces of apple and honey, succeeded by notes of caramel and a touch of cinnamon.

There’s a faint trace of alcohol discernible.

Dewar’s 15 offers an oily texture that contributes to a pleasing mouthfeel upon tasting.

The first sip introduces a medley of flavors, including pear, honey, apple, and orange, accompanied by cinnamon.

The finish is relatively brief, characterized by fruity nuances, notably orange, with a dry sensation. The warmth is subtle, resulting in an approachable and easy-drinking quality.

Dewar’s 15 FAQ

Here is a quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Is it smoky?

  • On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 signifies the highest level, Dewar’s 15 receives a rating of ZERO, indicating an absolute absence of smoke.

Price

  • United States: $37
  • Canada: $60
  • Britain: £46
  • Australia: $77

How to drink it?

  • Add water: Adding water enhances the flavors and releases caramel, making it more enjoyable.

Alcohol content

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

Aging

  • The Dewar’s 15 is a blend of 40 different grain and malt whiskies, aged for at least 15 years.

How is it made?

  • The component whiskies are aged in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks before being blended together in oak casks.

About Dewar’s

  • Founded in 1846 by John Dewar Sr., who blended the finest whiskies from across Scotland.
  • John A. Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar expanded the brand globally, winning awards including a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
  • Aberfeldy Distillery was established in 1896 to ensure a malt whisky supply for the blend.
  • In 1925, Dewar’s joined Distillers Company, later acquired by Guinness in 1986.
  • Guinness merged with Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo in 1997, and Dewar’s was subsequently sold to Bacardi the following year.

Does it expire?

  • Alcohol doesn’t expire.
  • Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and consume it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward flavor development.

How to store it?

  • Store upright in a cool place, protecting it from sunlight and keeping the bottle away from the stopper.

How did I review Dewar’s 15?

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 15: Specs

Type of WhiskyBlend
Age statement15
Proof80
ABV40%
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 shot108
Gluten-freeYes
Keto-friendlyYes
KosherNo

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