Evaluation: Dewar’s The Champions Version 19 Years Outdated (2022)

This yr’s U.S. Open Championship has already come and gone. I don’t even keep in mind who received as a result of, actually, I’ve hassle staying awake whereas watching golf (which doesn’t imply I don’t completely take pleasure in watching). The event could also be within the historical past books, however for the second yr in a row, Dewar’s is providing a liquid commemoration that you could be nonetheless have the ability to discover on some retailer cabinets. For 2022, The Champions Version is as soon as once more a 19-year-old mix created from over 40 completely different malt and grain whiskies, however not like final yr’s launch, which was completely aged in ex-bourbon casks, this newest providing has been matured in a mixture of first-fill bourbon, new American oak, and first-fill rye whiskey casks. Dewar’s beforehand launched the same (a lot youthful) mix below the Scratched Cask label, however grasp blender Stephanie Macleod determined to resurrect the idea for this restricted version. Let’s test it out.

The first launch was, in Chris’s phrases, “an iconic and pleasant expression of bourbon barrel-aged, blended Scotch,” however this newest expression, whereas nonetheless pleasant, is a unique animal. The distinctive maturation has made it extra wood-driven on the nostril with dry spices and massive vanilla notes that stand on equal footing with the traditional Dewar’s honeyed malt. It’s a extra dynamic dram, as effectively, with pepper and recent baking spice notes on the outset that linger throughout the sip. There’s extra fruit, largely peach and baked apple, than the inaugural expression, whereas the chocolate and nougatine are subtler however nonetheless well-developed. It’s not almost as creamy on the palate as final yr’s providing, however the lighter, brighter, fruit-tinged dimension of this providing is equally pleasing and makes for an much more advanced end. Again to again winners from Dewar’s, with a successful worth level, as well.

86 proof.

A / $80 / dewars.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Dewar’s The Champions Version 19 Years Outdated (2022)

$80

About Put up Creator

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began ingesting them, incomes a number of booze-related benefit badges alongside the way in which, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Govt Bourbon Steward. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s completely satisfied to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.