Don’t sleep on Dewar’s. Though it’s best known for its ubiquitous, entry-level White Label bottle, the Scotch whisky brand has been putting forth some exciting entries in recent years. That includes its Double Double series, like the recently introduced Double Double 37-Year-Old, and now the just-launched Dewar’s Double Double 21-Year-Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish.
This new release brings together distilling traditions from Japan and Scotland. Unlike American oak, which grows relatively quickly (we’re still talking about trees here, so nothing is fast), Mizunara oak requires more than 200 years to reach maturity. It also doesn’t grow straight, which poses a unique challenge for caskmakers. But the effort is worth it, giving the liquid it contains an intriguing balance of flavors and textures.
Dewar’s Double Double 21-Year-Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish was crafted with Master Blender Stephanie Macleod’s unique four-stage aging process, in which the whisky is returned to barrel four separate times to allow the flavors to develop and mellow.
The brand’s original Double Double 21 Year was finished in Oloroso sherry casks, so the new Mizunara-finished expression is an iteration on that. The Mizunara oak imparts subtle hints of sandalwood, coconut and a slight touch of creamy vanilla. It’s bottled at 46% ABV and carries a suggested retail price of $149.99.
