Latest news with #BlendedScotch
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky—According To The 2025 ASCOT Awards
The American Spirits Council of Tasters--or ASCOTs, for short--has just released its big winners for 2025. Well, sorta. As has became standard practice for competitions these days, the intel is meted out in drips and drams so that consumers can be kept on their toes throughout the year, as opposed to having it all over and done with in one succinct announcement. In the case of the ASCOTs, we now have the first round of medalists as designated by its prestigious panel of judges, consisting of 54 talented individuals from every corner of the industry; journalists, bartenders, educators, and assorted media personalities. According to its website, the council promises to reveal Best in Category winners, followed by Whiskey and Non-Whiskey of the Year in the weeks ahead--all leading up to the big reveal: 2025 Best In Show. You can trust that there'll be ample buzz generated around those bottles (last year's Bourbon of the Year was virtually unknown at the time and was ripped from shelves almost immediately thereafter). In the meantime, we can share with you the grand winner in one broad category of brown booze, at least. And it's one that hardly could be considered unknown to any self-respecting sipper. The top prize for Blended Scotch Whisky of the Year goes to Chivas Regal 12 Year Old. One of the best-selling scotches on the market today, the Pernod Ricard-owned label is both easy-drinking and complex. It carries a custardy, slightly banana-laden nose, evolving into spiced barley and candied walnuts atop the palate. Subtle pepper spice tickles the tongue before the 80-proof spirit fades from memory. Its enviable performance at this year's ASCOTs can hardly be seen as an outlier. This particular expression has been hauling home the hardware on the competition circuit in recent years. F. Paul Pacult, respected founder of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, recently referred to Chivas 12 as 'the blend for grownups.' He wasn't suggesting that underaged drinkers are drawn to all those other blends, of course. Merely that the overarching category of blended scotch more generally appeals to the masses. After all, it does definitionally carry a large component of lighter grain spirit in its mix. And so it can lack the deep complexities aimed at the elevated palates of single malt connoisseurs (effete sarcasm intended). Those stereotypes are unfounded because, yes, blended scotch, can be both complex and widely-appealing at the same time. And Chivas Regal 12 underscores the point. Best of all, it does so at a price point of roughly $20 per bottle. Try finding a worthwhile single malt for that! The ASCOT judges, for their part, will certainly try. They will conduct a taste-off between three peated and three non-peated expressions of single malt scotch in the upcoming weeks. I'll be sure to weigh in with my commentary on the ultimate winner. So keep it parked here to stay informed. Meanwhile, just remember that great whisky arrives in all different price-tags and categories.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
DEWAR'S SCOTCH WHISKY RETURNS TO THE U.S. OPEN, DEBUTING THE NEWEST ITERATION OF "THE CHAMPIONS EDITION" 19 YEAR OLD WHISKY
DEWAR'S 19 Year Old The Champions 5th Edition is finished in Calvados Apple Brandy Casks and pays homage to apple brandy's deep-rooted connection to Pennsylvania. HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky proudly announces the release of the fifth iteration of DEWAR'S 19 Year Old The Champions Edition, in celebration of the 125th U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA. This limited-edition, collector's bottle honors the continued partnership between the two iconic brands, celebrating the craftsmanship, prestige, and legacy found in both the world of golf and fine whisky. Finished in Calvados Apple Brandy Casks, this year's edition honors apple brandy's historic ties to Pennsylvania, where the region's abundant apples have been utilized for brandy production as far back as the 18th century. This release continues DEWAR'S tradition of innovative cask finishes that define The Champions Edition series, following in the footsteps of past expressions including Rye Casks in 2024, Napa Valley Red Wine Casks in 2023, American Oak & Rye Casks in 2022, and First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Casks in 2021. Six-time Master Blender of the Year, Stephanie Macleod, once again applies DEWAR'S distinctive double aging process to create a whisky that is as smooth as it is complex. Showcasing a vibrant flavor profile of green apple, apricot, and dried citrus, carefully selected to reflect the nuance and heritage of both DEWAR'S and the region it nods to. 'With each new edition of Dewar's 19 Year Old, we challenge ourselves to explore a finish that both elevates the whisky and tells a deeper story. For this year's expression, the Calvados Apple Brandy Casks offered a beautiful synergy with our double aged whisky, bringing layers of orchard fruit, subtle spice, and a delicate richness. Creating a finish that not only enhances the flavor profile, but also nods to Pennsylvania's historical connection to apple brandy.' - Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender To further elevate the experience, DEWAR'S has also partnered with acclaimed Two Michelin Star Chef Gabriel Kreuther to create bespoke whisky infused golf ball chocolates. These limited edition chocolates, designed as the perfect pairing for Father's Day, highlight and complement the whisky with flavor notes of dark chocolate ganache & cookie praline. The creation of these chocolates is in continuation of DEWAR's ongoing partnership with Chef Kreuther where he previously created chocolates for the launch of DEWAR's Double Double 38 Year Old. The golf ball chocolates will be available exclusively at while supplies last. At the tournament, fans can enjoy the Lemon Wedge, the U.S. Open's signature cocktail, crafted with award-winning DEWAR'S 12 Year Old, lemonade, and club soda. Refreshing and simple, it's the perfect serve whether you're enjoying the championship at home or on the course. 'Our partnership with the U.S. Open is rooted in a shared commitment to heritage, excellence, and pushing the boundaries of our craft. Now in its fifth year, The Champions Edition has become a symbol of that connection, celebrating not just a world-class tournament, but also the artistry and tradition behind every bottle of DEWAR'S. We're proud to once again raise a glass to the players, the fans, and the moments that make the U.S. Open the time honored tradition it is.' - Brain Cox, Global Vice President of Scotch Whisky The fifth iteration of the DEWAR'S 19 Year Old Champions Edition commemorative bottle will be available in limited quantities just in time for Father's Day, exclusively at select fine wines and spirits retailers, as well as online via our website. For more information on DEWAR'S whisky products, please visit or on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY ©2025. DEWAR'S AND ITS TRADE DRESS ARE TRADEMARKS. DEWAR'S 19 YEAR OLD 'THE CHAMPIONS' EDITION Limited edition bottles on shelves nationwide HERE MSRP $79.99 (750ML) ABV: 43% DEWAR'S LEMON WEDGE COCKTAIL Ingredients: 1½ oz. DEWAR's 12 Year Old 3 oz. Club Soda 2 oz. Lemonade Method: Combine ingredients over ice and stir for desired dilution. Garnish with lemon. Cheers! See HERE for all Hi-Res Imagery About DEWAR'S DEWAR'S® is the World's Most Awarded Blended Scotch Whisky, celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste. Founded in 1846, DEWAR'S grew from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. DEWAR'S core range includes the iconic DEWAR'S White Label and DEWAR'S Cask Series. The Premium range comprises DEWAR'S 12 Year Old, DEWAR'S 15 Year Old and DEWAR'S 18 Year Old; these expressions are crafted using DEWAR'S Double Ageing technique, which involves a two-stage maturation process for a smoother mouthfeel and silkier texture. The Luxury and Prestige collections include older rarities such as DEWAR'S 21 Year Old and DEWAR'S 38 Year Old and are crafted using a meticulous four-stage ageing process for ultimate smoothness. DEWAR'S spirit of discovery and approach to the art of blending results in a taste that continues to win applause and capture the curiosity of today's whisky drinkers. The DEWAR'S brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. About Bacardi Limited Bacardi Limited, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S® Scotch whisky, D'USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL'S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves, and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf's premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association's Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world's most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit Media Contact: Ben King Nike Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DEWAR'S
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World Best Blended Scotch Whisky, According To The World Whiskies Awards
A glass of Blended Scotch whisky being sampled (Photo by Jeff) The World Whiskies Awards (WWA) are among the world's most prestigious whisky competitions. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the top Blended Scotch Whiskies from the 2025 WWA. Although the list includes some legacy distillers, there are also some lesser-known producers, some of which represent exceptional value. The Borders Distillery was the winner in the NAS category. It is the first Scotch whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837, focusing on malt and grain whiskies. Their products often emphasize local heritage and innovative craftsmanship. This whisky is not yet available in the US but is expected to be released sometime in 2025. It is currently available from UK internet-based vendors. The whisky showcases a balanced mix of grain and malt whiskies, offering flavors of fig jam, butterscotch, and raisins along with orange zest and ripe apples. The finish is sweet, slightly floral, with lingering fruit notes. Ardray, a new blended whisky from Suntory, was a Gold Medalist in the NAS category. Blended by Suntory's Japanese team, the whisky is 'a Scottish expression based on Japanese blending principles.' It features subtle notes of peat smoke and vanilla around a core of orchard and stone fruit, described as a 'lightly-peated Hibiki with just a bit more punch.' Woven, a Leith, Scotland-based whisky blender that uses innovative finishing techniques to create unusual aroma and taste profiles, was the other Gold Medalist in the NAS category. Its Homemade Blended Scotch Whisky was crafted from two Speyside single malt whiskies that were finished in Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. The blend is roughly 72% malt whisky and 28% grain whisky. The unusually high proportion of malt whisky makes Homemade more of a blended malt than a blended whisky. Woven is not yet available in the US but is available from UK internet vendors. Glencairn whiskey glasses on a wooden server with a whisky barrel in the background. Scottish Leader, produced by Burn Stewart Distillers, was the highest rated whisky in the 12 Years & Under category. The whisky is known for its exceptional smoothness and balanced flavor profile. At an average retail price of $17, it's also one of the best values for a blended Scotch whisky and is a perennial medalist in whisky competitions. The whisky offers a smooth profile with hints of cooked cereal/malt, toffee sweetness, honey, candied citrus zest and light peat smoke. The finish is relatively short but satisfying with a lingering spiciness and oak notes. Dewar's, one of the most recognized Scotch whisky brands globally, was a Gold Medalist in the 12 Years & Under category. It was founded in 1846 by John Dewar and has been crafting blended Scotch for over a century. It is among the best-selling blended Scotch whiskies in the US and another perennial medalist in whisky competitions. Dewar's 12 YO, also known as 'The Ancestor,' is double-aged for extra smoothness, featuring a complex array of honey, fruit, and floral heather notes, with a subtle oak background. It finishes long and creamy with a hint of almond. White Heather, a lesser-known blended Scotch whisky, won the 13 to 20 Years category. The whisky is a carefully crafted blend with a high proportion of malt whiskies, matured and blended by GlenAllachie distillers. It features malt whiskies from Speyside, Islay, and the Highlands that have been matured in American and Spanish Oak casks. The whisky is elegant and balanced, presenting layers of fruit compote, vanilla, and caramel, intertwined with mild smoky notes. A subtle maritime saltiness enriches the palate, and the finish is long and fruity with lingering spice notes. The Dewar's Double Double series is known for its unique four-step aging process, which includes a final stage in Sherry casks, enhancing complexity and smoothness. The whisky is rich and luxurious, with deep notes of ripe fruits, sweet honey, and dark chocolate, enhanced by a hint of spice. The palate is velvety, leading to a beautifully long, sherried finish. These Scotch whiskies were all Gold Medalists at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Some like Dewar's are among the world's best-known blended Scotch whiskies, legacy brands that have been sold worldwide for over a century and are readily available. Others like Woven or The Borders are new craft distillery startups, testing the boundaries of blended Scotch whisky's aroma and taste profile. The established, though little-known brands like Scottish Leader and White Heather are even more intriguing. They represent exceptional quality and value and are relatively easy to find. Either way, if you like Blended Scotch whisky, there are a few new brands to discover and a few more to reacquaint yourself with among this list of the World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky. See also The World's Best Blended Scotch Whiskies and The World's Best Single Malt Whisky According To The World Whiskies Awards for additional recommendations.
