Dewar's Caribbean Smooth

The name should be "Taint's Scotch" Taint smooth, taint scotch, taint Dewars. A strange frankenscotch that combines the harshness of rum with the roughness of young grain whisky scotch. Look, I'm not some malt whisky elitist. I like a fine blended scotch any day of the week, and I really like Dewars 12. But as a Scotch goes, the Caribbean Smooth just doesn't work. It's at best a half step up from Dewars white label, but so is a hot cup of vinegar with a pair of dentures floating in it. The juice here is rather rambunctious, uncouth, blend that is part scotch and heavy rum. It's rather impressive really how the rum character comes though. Now, if you're the type that's into making your own drink creations, this has some interesting potential because of it's hybrid nature. But as a sipper, even on ice, it's a bit of a confused mess. The good news is that it's only $22 a bottle. But for the money, I'd rather get Chivas 12 or Monkey Shoulder.

Nose: sweet, earthy, honey, mild spice, mild peat Palate: sweet, smooth, spicy Finish: short, spicy, sweet Surprisingly good for the price ($21). None of the off-putting notes that are sometimes found in a blended scotch.