Tastes

Very pleasant rye, on the sweeter side with vanilla, caramel and interesting herbal notes.

I really wanted to like this one but it’s too sweet and way too hot, just burns, can’t find the right amount of water to add before it becomes a muddled mess.

According to the Dewar’s website: “Created in partnership with the USGA to commemorate the 121st US Open at Torrey Pines. Dubbed “The Champions Edition”, this bottle honors the US Open Mantra: “From Many, One”. From many barrels, one champion blend emerges. With a minimum age of 19 years and finished in ex-American Bourbon casks…rich notes of vanilla, honey, toffee and ripe cherries.” Dewar’s notes are pretty spot on. Definitely get rich honey, vanilla, toffee and cherry. Add some barrel spices, black tea and ginger notes to make this a delicious whiskey.

Fruity, younger, lighter version of the 10 year. A bit spirity. Nice little notes of chocolate, vanilla and ginger. Made for mixing, ok for sipping. Makes a great whiskey sour.

Appreciating the lower proof on this one, sweet, toffee, caramel, vanilla, cherry, leather, fantastic whiskey.

I feel the full 133 proof, it’s hot yet sweet with ethanol, vanilla, caramel, pepper and oak notes.

Batch 69, 61.2 ABV Tasted neat: Bold, oily, rich, viscous, extra crispy creme brûlée, dried fruits, caramel, subdued ethanol, the sherry is surprisingly subdued, long, long finish.

First impressions were not good, young, spirity and one note. 20 minutes in the glass made a huge difference as the ethanol disappeared and the nose and palate revealed chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, light spice, and sweet red fruit notes. The finish is medium length, with restrained sweet, spicy and bitter notes.

This is really quite good. It is restrained but complex with delicious notes of cocoa powder, berries, malt, honey, barrel spices and orchard fruits. Most of the notes replay through the medium length finish.

Seems similar to many other 12 year Speyside Scotches with musty apples, malt, pancake batter, some mineral notes and hints of nutty sherry. There’s a little weightiness and sulfur and a slightly bitter medium finish. Meh.