What is the best way to drink Dewar’s 12 Year Old?
As with every whisky, there are many answers to this question depending on personal taste, occasion, weather, and what you are enjoying it with. Dewar’s 12 is an extremely versatile dram.
Today, we are breaking down a few different ways to drink Dewar’s 12 Year Old. From neat pours to refreshing Highballs, this guide will help you find the serve that suits you best.
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READ THE STORYWhat Is Dewar’s 12 Year Old & Why Is It So Smooth?
Dewar’s 12 Year Old is a blended scotch whisky produced by Dewar’s. It is composed of malt and grain whiskies that have been aged for at least 12 years. At the heart of the blend is single malt from Aberfeldy Distillery, known for its honeyed character.
What sets Dewar’s 12 (and pretty much every other Dewar’s whisky) apart is its signature double aging process. After the individual whiskies have matured and been blended, the whisky is returned to oak casks for further marrying. Dewar’s describes this as a two-stage aging process designed to create a smoother, more harmonious result. The method was pioneered by legendary master blender, Stephanie Macleod.
Expect notes of honey, dried fruit, vanilla, citrus peel, soft oak, and a light wisp of smoke.
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This focus on integration has helped Dewar’s 12 earn serious recognition. It received 94 points from Whisky Advocate, with reviewer Jonny McCormick saying, “Macleod’s methods prove her mastery of the craft yet again.”
Having enjoyed Dewar’s 12 on many occasions, I can confidently say that it is a delightfully smooth, honeyed, citrusy, oaky and creamy whisky that provides fantastic value for money, especially considering the logistical challenge of its aging. It is a reliable whisky that I keep coming back to for a reason.
Smoothness is not just a tasting note here. It is the design principle. That is what makes Dewar’s 12 so adaptable in the glass.
How Should You Drink Dewar’s 12 Year Old?
If you have never tried Dewar’s 12 before, I would recommend starting neat.
You will notice its honeyed malt, vanilla, citrus, and soft oak. The texture is silky and rounded, which reflects the brand’s double aging process.
If you want to experiment, add a few drops of room temperature water. Water can help open up aromas. With Dewar’s 12, it can lift the citrus and brighten the nose.
Ice is also an option. I like to use one large cube to control dilution. Chilling the whisky makes it softer and even more approachable, but too much ice will mute the aroma.
Of course, I am a firm advocate for enjoying whisky however you wish. But, if you are starting a new journey, give it a sip neat first and then start exploring to see what fits your tastes.
Best Mixers for Dewar’s 12 Year Old
Dewar’s 12 also performs well in longer drinks. The key is choosing mixers that extend the whisky rather than overpower it.
The classic choice is a Highball. Combine 50 ml of Dewar’s 12 with 100 to 120 ml of chilled soda water over ice. A lemon twist adds lift. Dewar’s even calls the Highball one of its signature serves on its official website. The soda amplifies the citrus notes and keeps the honeyed core intact.
Ginger ale is another reliable option. Its gentle spice complements the vanilla and soft oak from the first fill bourbon casks.
If you prefer something slightly brighter, a Whisky Collins works well. Fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup, and soda create a refreshing serve that echoes the whisky’s natural citrus character without masking it.
How to Drink Dewar’s 12 Year Old in Hot Weather
As we long for summer, I have been thinking about how to enjoy Dewar’s 12 when it is warm out.
A Highball is the simplest solution. Use plenty of fresh ice, chilled soda, and a clean glass. A 3:1 ratio of soda to whisky keeps it light and refreshing without losing flavor.
Dewar’s 12 works well in the heat because it was designed for balance. It holds its shape even after being watered down, which makes it an easy summer pour.
Occasions That Suit Dewar’s 12 Year Old
Dewar’s 12 is built for flexibility.
It works as an easy after work pour. It fits comfortably at a dinner party. It also makes sense at larger gatherings where not everyone wants an intense single malt.
Because of its easy-drinking nature, it appeals to both newer whisky drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. It is refined without being demanding.
Dewar’s 12 suits occasions where you want something dependable, polished, and easy to enjoy.
Food Pairings
Dewar’s 12 does not demand elaborate pairings. It shines with simple, everyday food.
The first time I enjoyed it as a Highball, I was sitting outside in the late summer sun with sourdough, salted butter, and a fresh tomato and olive salad. The crisp soda lifted the citrus in the whisky. The honeyed malt played beautifully against the salt in the butter. It was effortless.
Cheese and crackers work just as well. A soft Brie enhances its creamy texture. A mature Cheddar draws out the gentle spice and oak. The Scotch Whisky Association tasting toolkit even encourages experimenting with cheese and chocolate alongside Scotch.
For something sweet, lemon cake is an easy win, for a citrusy sweetness that enhances the fresh notes in the whisky (It also helps that lemon drizzle cake is my absolute favourite). Vanilla cheesecake also works beautifully. The creaminess complements the whisky’s texture without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
There is no single right way to drink Dewar’s 12 Year Old.
Start neat to understand what it is all about. Add a few drops of water if you want more lift. Use ice when you prefer it chilled and softer. Reach for a Highball when you want something lighter and refreshing.
Find the serve that suits your taste and your occasion. I, for one, am dreaming of a Dewar’s 12 Highball in a beer garden on a hot summer’s day.
