Scotch

Whisky Review: Dewar's Japanese Smooth Mizunara Oak Cask Finish

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Whisky Review: Dewar’s Japanese Smooth Mizunara Oak Cask Finish

Dewar's Japanese Smooth offers a great starting point for your blended whisky journey, as well as an opportunity to explore Mizunara.

by Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery
November 3, 2024

Jeff, a UK-based whisky reviewer with a lighthearted approach.

Tasting Notes:

About:

The fourth release in the Dewar’s 8 Cask Series this blended scotch whisky has been finished in casks made with the notoriously expensive Japanese Mizunara Oak. While retailing at an accessible price, will the additional unique finishing give this bottle the edge over other similar priced budget blends.

Appearance:

A warm yellow gold with a little hint of green.

Nose:

Soft, subtle and with some subdued citrus at the front, there is not a lot coming from the glass. Crumbly fudge and sweet white chocolate followed by a nail polish note slightly over powering them.

Palate:

A highly thin texture where the first few sips don’t release a lot to go from. Opens up with orange peel, honey and mild cloves providing some more depth of flavour. A sharper green apple note cuts through the softer notes leaving it feeling unbalanced.

Finish:

A very short dry finish with green apple skin and hint of ground black pepper at the back of the throat.

Comments:

The Mizunara Oak Cask finish feels more a light touch than deeply impacting the flavour with this being a pretty run of the mill but not a bad blended scotch

Who Would Enjoy Dewar’s Japanese Smooth?

If you’re new to whisky, especially scotch, blended whiskies are often the best starting point. They’re designed to be easy-drinking, combining malt and grain whiskies to create a balance of sweetness and savouriness, often without the intensity of peat. Dewar’s Japanese Smooth offers a great starting point for your blended whisky journey.

For those curious about unique wood influences like Mizunara oak, blends offer a more affordable way to experience the peppery, drying notes that Japanese oak can bring to scotch. Dewar’s has released a series with interesting finishes like rum and mezcal cask maturation, offering a budget-friendly way to explore flavors you might not want to commit to in a full bottle of rum, mezcal, or other spirits.

How Does Dewar’s Japanese Smooth Compare To Johnnie Walker?

That’s a really big question. Comparing Dewar’s Japanese Smooth to Johnnie Walker really comes down to personal taste. Dewar’s Japanese Smooth has a sweet, slightly peppery profile, thanks to the Mizunara oak, making it a soft and approachable choice. On the other hand, Johnnie Walker offers a broader flavor range.

For a sweet option, Johnnie Walker Gold Label or the 18 year old are good choices. However, many Johnnie Walker expressions, like the popular Black Label, feature a noticeable peated element, adding a smoky depth that Dewar’s Japanese Smooth doesn’t have. So, if you prefer a softer, sweeter whisky with a touch of pepper, Dewar’s may be the way to go.

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What Are The Benefits Of Cask Finishing?

Cask finishing offers a fantastic range of flavors by using different types of oak and previously aged liquids. Classic choices include ex-bourbon, sherry, and port casks, but newer options like tequila, mezcal, and Pineau des Charentes casks are expanding the possibilities. Each type of cask, and even the number of times it’s been used, brings unique flavor elements to the whisky while preserving its core character or house style. Ultimately, cask finishing adds depth and variety, enhancing the whisky experience, whilst allowing brands to maintain their house style.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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