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How to Drink Dewar’s White Label

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:54 pm

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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.

Written by: J Highland

In this post, I share with you how to drink the Dewar’s White Label and how to make the best use of it.

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Key Takeaways

  • Whisky expert Neil Coleman suggests using it to make Scotch-based cocktails.
  • Sipping it neat can bring out its caramel hints, but be cautious not to add too much water as it may mute the flavor.
  • It’s also great for making cocktails, such as Scotch Sour, Fizzy Drink, and Scotch Simple Classic.
  • Dewar’s pairs well with casual foods like fish and chips, burgers and fries, pizza, popcorn, and nachos.
  • 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.

Best Way to Drink Dewar’s

“While Dewar’s can be taken straight, with a splash of water, or over ice, its true strength shines when mixed in simple homemade cocktails.”, mentions whisky expert, Neil Coleman.

Dewar’s may not be the go-to choice when aiming to wow your pals, but it’s a reliable pick for those in search of a straightforward, no-fuss sipper.

Priced attractively, it serves as a gentle evening relaxer.

Sipping Neat

Dewar’s White Label might not boast the intricate layers of a top-tier Scotch Whisky, but its straightforward and likable flavors are perfect for sipping straight.

If you’re a whisky novice, consider adding a splash of water to bring out its caramel hints, a common approach in Scotland.

Just be mindful; since it’s bottled at a modest 80-proof (40% ABV), adding too much water mutes the flavor.

Dewar’s on the Rocks

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Unlike Scots, who often add a drop of water to their whisky, Americans have a penchant for including ice in their drinks.

While this method is refreshing, it doesn’t unlock extra flavors because chilling the whisky tends to suppress some tasting notes.

If you’re an ice enthusiast, opt for large ice cubes to minimize dilution.

Remember, Dewar’s can lose its character if overly watered down.

Tasting Notes

Nose:

The aroma presents gentle hints of apple, peach, barley, and oak.

Palate:

When tasted, its smoothness and sweetness come forward with nuances of honey, caramel, vanilla, toasted barley, a whisper of smoke, and a slight oaky presence.

Finish:

It concludes with a brief finish that is lightly warm, leaving behind traces of caramel, vanilla, and a spicy oak aftertaste.

Using Dewar’s in Cocktails

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Dewar’s is great for making drinks.

Here are some easy-to-make cocktails:

Certainly! Here are the remade cocktail recipes with preparation methods:

Scotch Sour:

  • 2 oz Scotch
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz sugar water
  1. In a shaker, combine whisky, lemon juice, and sugar water with ice.
  2. Shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry if desired.

Fizzy Drink:

  • 2 oz Scotch
  • 4 oz soda water
  • A twist of lemon
  1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour in whisky.
  2. Top with soda water.
  3. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

Scotch Simple Classic:

  • 2 oz Scotch
  • 1 piece of sugar
  • 2 small splashes of bitter flavoring
  1. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar and bitter flavoring together.
  2. Add whisky and stir well.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if preferred.

Food Pairings

pub-style-burger

Pairing a cheap Scotch whisky with casual foods can be enjoyable. Here are five food pairings:

  1. Fish and Chips: The saltiness of the fried fish complements the whisky’s flavors.
  2. Burger and Fries: A classic combo where the whisky can cut through the richness of the burger.
  3. Pizza: Whether it’s a pepperoni or a veggie pizza, the whisky can provide a nice contrast.
  4. Popcorn: The simplicity of popcorn goes well with the straightforwardness of a cheap Scotch.
  5. Nachos: The cheesy and spicy elements of nachos can be balanced by the whisky’s smokiness.

Storing the Bottle

Keep your Dewar’s standing up, away from strong lights, and in a cool spot.

If you’ve only got a little left in the bottle (around 25%), it’s best to drink it up soon as it starts developing weird-tasting notes.

About Dewar’s

  • Dewar’s is a blend of 40 malt and grain whiskies aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which contribute sweet notes to the final product.
  • Established in 1899 by its first master blender A.J. Cameron, Dewar’s is a renowned and longstanding Scotch whisky brand.
  • Dewar’s is currently owned by Bacardi.

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