Few brands in the vast realm of blended whiskies stand out as much as Dewar’s. Although Diageo hold the crown for top-selling scotch in Johnnie Walker Red Label, Dewar’s (a Bacardi brand) proudly touts how they’re the world’s most awarded blended scotch whisky. “Blend” is the key word here, since Dewar’s uses around 40 whiskies to comprise the whiskies in their portfolio. The key component in this blend allegedly comes from the Highland-based Aberfeldy distillery, hence the Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery name.  The brand also proclaims to be the whiskey of choice for Japanese bartenders when crafting highball cocktails.

Be that as it may, we’re here to take a quick look at Dewar’s White Label, the producer’s base offering. What seemingly separates this from other budget-friendly, NAS blended scotch whiskies is the “double aged” production method, defined as “a secondary resting in oak barrels once the blend is created.” In other words, a blend of aged whiskies is likely crafted before undergoing another maturation period for an undisclosed length of time. I couldn’t find anything specifying what type of casks were used; we can probably assume ex-bourbon, but Distiller.com mentions oloroso sherry casks also being used.

Nose: Cereal, Honey, Banana, Golden Apple

Bright, Shiny, Light

Palate: Pear, Apple, Vanilla, Raisins

Pale, Mild, Faint

Finish: Honey, Earth, Black Tea, Granola

Grainy, Watery, Thin

Dewar’s White Label is a perfect representation of bog-standard, acceptable, bottom-shelf blended scotch whisky. It is, for all intents and purposes, a minimum viable product. All a whisky needs to do for most people (not enthusiasts) is be drinkable while providing the desired effects. Replace that perspective with that of a more discerning consumer and the cracks appear like clouds on an overcast day. And yet, it’s hardly unpleasant. On the scale of bad to boring, Dewar’s White Label absolutely hits the latter, but there’s so much more personality here than something like Crown Royal (I know, that’s Canadian and this is Scottish). That alone gives Dewar’s enough points to be acceptable, rather than outright forgettable.