Review: Dewar’s The Champions Edition 19 Years Old (2024)

The fourth iteration of the golf-themed Dewar’s 19 Year Old “Champions Edition” is another spin on the iconic blended Scotch, again turning to an unusual cask type. Similar to the 2022 expression, Dewar’s is again using rye whiskey casks for its secondary maturation — although in 2022 rye was just one of three types of finishing casks used by the blender. This year, all of the whisky gets a wash in rye.

The difference is noticeable right away, kicking off with a racy nose that immediately evokes sherry finishing with lots of oily citrus and a leathery character. The whisky however is spicier and more wood-forward than a typical sherry bomb, layered with black pepper and cinnamon, backed with a black cherry quality and some bitter, dark chocolate notes.

A burst of bittersweet chocolate immediately attacks the palate upon taking a sip — so prominent that it’s initially hard to taste much of anything else. The chocolate takes on a Dutch process cocoa quality, a bit gritty and chalky at times, almost like a Swiss Miss packet that hasn’t been fully dissolved in the mug. In time, secondary qualities emerge — here heavy on vanilla, more charry wood, and a note of pastry dough. Some fruit perks up on the finish, a mix of pear and apple in a buttered pie shell. There’s a reprise of spice on the finish — a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg — which plays well with both the chocolatey attack and the fruity aftermath.

All told, it’s a delight from start to finish and another winner in an always delightful series. To boot, I don’t think you’ll find a better value in a 19 year old whiskey anywhere.

86 proof.

A- / $80 / dewars.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]

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