Dewar’s 12-Year-Old (older vs newer)
Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV
$25-30
Website
Comparing Older vs Newer Bottling
If the older one isn’t being made anymore, why bother? Well, when I posted a review in 2022 of the newer version, someone commented that they tried it and didn’t like it – preferring the older version. I hadn’t had Dewar’s 12 in ages, so I sought to find an older bottling in case this helps fans of the label with how they are different. This comparison is from a couple of blind side-by-side comparisons, and is focused on the differences.
The Differences
Older | Newer | |
|---|---|---|
Package | Colored Glass Bottle
| Clear Glass Bottle
|
What Gary Found Different
Older | Newer | |
|---|---|---|
| Nose: | Subtle with apples, vanilla, floral notes and malt. | Richer with honey suckle, apples, pears, vanilla, peaches, subtle soft smoke with an earthy mineral note. |
| Palate: | Creamy with a round mouthfeel, vanilla, malt, pears, apples, honey and a subtle earthy note. | Creamy mouthfeel with more flavor intensity, fruity with peaches, kiwi, pears, apples and a bit of nutmeg. |
| Finish: | Moderate in length, damp with honey and dried fruit. | Moderate in length with vanilla, honey and fruit notes (pretty similar here). |
| Comments: | Nothing off-putting here to me, but also nothing that really stands out. This reminds me of what I had thought ‘blended scotch’ was before I had experienced some truly remarkable blends (thanks Compass Box for opening my eyes there!) | When I was sent a sample of this to review last year, I was really surprised by how much I liked it. 6 months after that review was posted, a reader remarked on it that he much preferred the old, so I sought a bottle of the older version out for just this tasting. Glad I did, as I’ll sleep well knowing I don’t need to go and dusty hunt for them! This is absolutely a step up in my opinion; more flavor depth and complexity for the same price? Thank you Dewars! |
Rating: | Average | Stands Out/Must Try |