Dewar's Ilegal Smooth

I'm not a Dewar's fanboy, but I like their stuff just fine. In my mind its the scotch equivalent of Old No. 7. Dependable, consistent and not a bad value. So while I was standing in the local emporium wondering what might entertain my taste buds tonight, this was an easy $25 decision. Right away I can recognize the Dewar's White Label DNA. Classic blended scotch with just a bit more of a grain alcohol edge than I'd like, but not so bad that I'd kick her out for eating crackers in bed. It's the mid palate where I get something interesting. There's a nice agave sweet vegetal note, a bit of non-peat smoke, and an echo of mezcal that remains on the exhale. The finish is so fast as to be nearly a ghost, there's no bite and the SMOOTH moniker is truth in advertising. Nothing about this is offensive if you like scotch whisky and you're not a militant single-malt Ken or Karen. I rate on a simple scale where average, run-of-the-mill product will score according to a bell curve. The majority of offerings should place between 2 and 3 on this scale. Above 4 is the realm of the very best. Below 2 are liquids I prefer to avoid (think Black Velvet). This is solidly average and I'm adding a quarter point for creativity. This is a worthwhile taste and I'll certainly enjoy the bottle. There might even be another in my future.

I finally decided to give this a try after seeing several positive/semi-positive reviews. I am glad I did. Somehow it works. This is light whisky blend, with so little malt in it it is hard for me to place it a a Scotch. In a blind tasting I don't think I could. The mezcal cask influence is clearly there offering a touch of grassy agave and that musky smoke of a traditional mezcal. In a true blind tasting many would take this for a delicate mezcal---perhaps finished in a former whisky barrel. If this blend had more malt in it, I don't think the overall flavor balance would work. Anyway, it is a pleasant alternate drink and is only $22 where I live. Cheers!

I like this one and for $25 definitely worth keeping one in the back room. If you've had metzcal before you will recognize it in this scotch. It couldn't be better for what it is. I might even get a 3rd bottle for keepsake. These special blends can't last forever.

I really like the flavors of tequila/mezcal scotch mixes or finishes. This is probably the best Dewars I’ve had, though admittedly I’ve only had a couple other of their bottles. The nose has a hint of the finishing but it really comes through on palate.

If you’ve ever stood around and stared at the whisky wall and thought, I’d like to try something new, but wasn’t looking to spend a bunch of money, then you know how I felt seeing this odd Dewars with what looks like a spelling mistake on the label. I’ve had my fair share of this brand, so was happy to try this out. Nose gives that classic blended aroma; some rich unctuous notes from the malt, and whiffs of shiny ethanol from the grain. Some honey, reduced stone fruit compote with just the faintest hint of char and smoke way in the back. The Mezcal isn’t really showing itself yet. Initially the palate delivers more gooey honey and oatmeal, which quickly brings in some light pepper and then some damp vegetal smoke which is probably the remnants of the Mezcal cask. Unfortunately it disappears about as fast as you can discern it, so you are in flavour-town for about 1.5 seconds and then you’re wanting more. If only this came in a higher proof it could be so much better. Finish is pretty much non existent, which is standard for most Dewars except some the longer aged expressions. Is it worth 30 dollars? Sure, it fills it’s role of tasting good and fading into the background for the price, but if you blind poured this and didn’t know it was Mezcal finished I don’t believe you’d know. So get it if you need a budget blend, not if you’re hoping for a funky adventure.

Gold. Whiskey. Mezcal very mild.

I enjoyed this far more than I expected. A very light additon of smoke and vegitable or herbal note is well surrounded by the creamy Dewar's blend. I will not chase down another bottle, but certainly will enjoy this one till it's done.

Having enjoyed the Portuguese Smooth, I decided to try the Ilegal expression. Light-gold color. Sweet-fruity nose. Initially it’s very light and seriously smooth on the palate with nice citrus notes, but that sweetness quickly fades and is replaced with the Mezcal influence that brings in a sour but pleasant finish. Unlike the Portuguese Smooth, this doesn’t give any indications that it’s a Dewars. Overall, a very nice summer dram. I added a dash of water which immediately toned down the sour finish. I haven’t tried it over ice, but I suspect it would be good. I prefer the Portuguese Smooth because it fits my palate preference better, but I’m not disappointed with this purchase — especially at just over $20. If you are a Mezcal/Tequila fan this is definitely worth giving a go.