Dewar’s 8-Year-Old French Smooth Whisky

Bonjour, whisky enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a flavorful journey that transcends borders and tantalizes the taste buds. Dewar’s, known for its impeccable Scotch whiskies, has brought a touch of France to the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Join me as we explore the Dewar’s 8-Year-Old French Smooth Whisky, a delightful concoction that bridges the gap between two distinct worlds.

Tamara: The Whisky Fairy at Whisky Festival Noord Nederland

Picture this: a brightly lit hall where the gentle hum of eager conversations, and the unmistakable scent of whisky wafts through the air. It was at the Whisky Festival Noord Nederland in Groningen where I stumbled upon a hidden gem – Dewar’s French Smooth Whisky.

Enter Tamara, the enchanting Brand Ambassador for Dewar’s. With a twinkle in her eye and a passion for the golden nectar, Tamara invited me to try Dewar’s, promising a whisky experience like no other. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey of sensory delight.

Scotland Meets France in a Glass

Dewar’s French Smooth is not your typical Scotch whisky. Aged for a respectable 8 years, this blend undergoes a unique finishing process in Apple Spirit (Calvados) Casks. It's like a transcontinental love affair between Scotland and France, resulting in a marriage of flavors that dance on the palate.

A Symphony of Aromas

As I brought the glass to my nose, I was greeted by an orchestra of scents, a delightful medley of green apples, vanilla, and a hint of oak. It was as if a crisp breeze from an orchard in Normandy had swept through the Highlands. It was gentle on my nose with only a hint of spice, softly lingering in the background.

An Apple Extravaganza

Ah, the palate – the true playground for the senses. With each sip, Dewar’s French Smooth unleashed a cascade of flavors. The Calvados cask finish worked its magic, infusing the whisky with the essence of ripe apples. It was like biting into a juicy, sun-kissed fruit, with a subtle undercurrent of caramel sweetness. This whisky can stand on its own as a dram that I could drink all night but would do wonders in a cocktial, no doubt about it. Already I am considering what intersting wintery drinks I can create! Maybe a Hot Toddy?

Exploring Dewar's Smooth Series

But wait, there's more to Dewar’s Smooth Series! Before I became enchanted by the French Smooth, I delved into the diverse range of Dewar’s "Smooth" whiskies. From the Portuguese Smooth's dance with Port Casks to the Caribbean Smooth's tropical rendezvous with rum casks, each variant tells a unique tale. The Japanese Smooth, aged in Mizunara Oak Casks, and the Ilegal Smooth, adding a touch of Mezcal intrigue, showcase Dewar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky making.

Closing Thoughts on Dewar's French Smooth

As I savor the last drops of Dewar’s 8-Year-Old French Smooth Whisky, I cheers to Dewar’s for daring to be different and giving us a taste of the world in a glass. When I visited a festival in Leiden a few month's later, I couldn't help myself and introduced several people to this whisky, who were equally impressed. I am curious to hear, who has tried this whisky and what their thoughts are!