Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky has once again raised the bar with the release of its 19-Year-Old The Champion’s Edition. This special bottling, marking its fourth annual release, coincides with the U.S. Open Championship, held this year at the iconic Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. This whisky is a testament to Dewar’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
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Crafted by Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, a five-time Master Blender of the Year, the 2024 Champion’s Edition is bottled at 43% ABV. It showcases Dewar’s signature double aging process, which involves initially aging the whisky, blending it, and then returning it to barrels for a second maturation. This method enhances the whisky’s complexity and depth.
The Unique Aging Process
For the 2024 edition, Dewar’s has chosen to finish the whisky in first-fill rye whisky casks from Angel’s Envy in Louisville. Angel’s Envy is known for using a mashbill with up to 95% rye grain, which imparts distinct spice and fruit flavors to the whisky. This finishing process adds layers of complexity, resulting in a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
The Dewar’s 19-Year-Old Champion’s Edition offers a delightful array of flavors. On the palate, you’ll find creamy vanilla, caramel, apple fritter, chocolate, and orange. These flavors are complemented by a range of spices, including cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg. The overall experience is a harmonious blend that caters to both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Versatility in Enjoyment
While the 19-Year-Old Champion’s Edition is designed to be enjoyed neat or over ice, its approachable $80 price tag makes it an excellent candidate for cocktails. It can elevate classic drinks such as a highball, old fashioned, or penicillin, offering a new dimension to these well-loved recipes.
Continuing a Tradition
Dewar’s tradition of creating unique expressions for the U.S. Open began in 2021. Each year, the brand experiments with different cask finishes. The first year saw the use of first-fill ex-bourbon casks, followed by American oak and rye casks in 2022, and Napa Valley red wine casks in 2023. The 2024 edition’s return to rye whisky barrels highlights Dewar’s commitment to exploring diverse flavor profiles.
The Official Cocktail
In addition to the whisky, Dewar’s has reintroduced the official cocktail of the U.S. Open, the Lemon Wedge. This refreshing, citrus-forward drink features Dewar’s 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky mixed with lemonade and club soda. It’s the perfect accompaniment to enjoy during the championship.
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Master Blender’s Vision
Stephanie Macleod emphasized the craftsmanship involved in creating the 19-Year-Old Champion’s Edition. She likened the process to the precision and finesse of golf, noting that the combination of the 19-Year-Old whisky with the distinctive rye cask finish results in a symphony of flavors. With each sip, the whisky reveals notes of cinnamon and cocoa, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.
Celebrating Golf and Whisky
Brian Cox, Vice President of Dewar’s North America, highlighted the connection between golf and shared moments of celebration. He described the special-edition whisky as a fitting companion to the stories and camaraderie enjoyed by golfers at the 19th hole. This special-edition whisky honors the timeless tradition of golf and the bonds formed on and off the course.
Conclusion
Dewar’s 19-Year-Old The Champion’s Edition is a remarkable blend that continues to exemplify the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a golf enthusiast, this limited-edition release is a worthy addition to any collection, celebrating the enduring heritage of Scotch whisky and the sport of golf.
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About Dewar’s
Dewar’s is one of the most iconic names in Scotch whisky, known for its commitment to quality and tradition. Founded by John Dewar in 1846 in Perth, Scotland, Dewar's has grown to become one of the most recognized and awarded blended Scotch whiskies in the world. The brand's early success was driven by John Dewar's dedication to producing a consistently high-quality product, a legacy that continues to this day.
The foundation of Dewar's success lies in its meticulous blending process. The brand's Master Blenders, including the renowned A.J. Cameron, who joined the company in the late 19th century, have developed a unique method of "marrying" the blend. After the individual whiskies are blended together, they are returned to oak casks for an additional period of maturation, allowing the flavors to integrate and mellow, resulting in a smoother and more harmonious whisky. This process, known as the "Dewar's Double Aging" process, is a hallmark of the brand and contributes significantly to its distinctive character.
Dewar’s range includes several well-regarded expressions. Dewar's White Label, the brand's flagship blend, is known for its approachable and balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of honey, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. It's a versatile whisky, enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. For those seeking a more premium experience, Dewar's 12 Year Old, Dewar's 15 Year Old, and Dewar's 18 Year Old offer increasing complexity and depth, with richer flavors of dried fruit, spice, and oak.
In recent years, Dewar's has also expanded its range with innovative and limited-edition releases. These include cask-finished expressions, such as Dewar's Caribbean Smooth, finished in rum casks, and Dewar's Portuguese Smooth, finished in port casks, which introduce new dimensions of flavor while maintaining the brand's signature smoothness.
Dewar’s commitment to quality extends beyond its whisky. The brand has a rich history of marketing and innovation, having been one of the first to utilize branded advertising and one of the pioneers in the use of radio and television commercials. Their efforts to popularize Scotch whisky globally have played a significant role in shaping the industry.
The brand's legacy is also intertwined with its heritage in Perthshire and the Aberfeldy Distillery, which John Dewar's sons, John Alexander Dewar and Thomas Dewar, built in 1896. The distillery remains the heart of Dewar’s production, where visitors can explore the craft of whisky-making through guided tours and tastings.
Overall, Dewar’s stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of expertly crafted blended Scotch whisky. Its dedication to tradition, quality, and innovation ensures that it remains a beloved and respected name in the world of whisky, appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and new generations of whisky drinkers.