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Looking for an updated Dewars White Label cost? The term “White Label” can evoke a few different responses. On one end of the spectrum, the white label can be used to describe a generic product.
You can picture a character from your favorite movie from the 1980s going to a bar and drinking from a white can that simply says “Beer.” “White Label” is also a term used in the music industry.
When a record company sends out promotional records or demos they often come in an unassuming white label. This is often done because they are not yet sure what they have in the enclosed.
It’s an untested product. Dewar’s White Label is the polar opposite of these other main uses for “White Label.” There is nothing generic about Dewar’s White Label.
Dewar’s is some of the finest blended Scotch whisky out there. There is nothing untested about Dewar’s White Label. Dewar’s White Label has been around for over 120 years.
In the case of Dewar’s White Label you might say the White Label refers to the fact that it should be the standard version of blended Scotch whisky. Sure, you can deviate for special occasions but for everyday consumption, you can count on Dewar’s White Label.
A Brief History of Dewar’s White Label
Dewar’s White Label has first blended in 1899 in Aberfeldy Scotland. It took 53 years to get there from when John Dewar opened John Dewar’s Spirit Merchants in 1946.
The company started out with this small shop before John Dewar started blending Scotch whisky and then handing the business over to his sons John Alexander Dewar and Tommy Dewar.
John Alexander became in charge of the production side and Tommy controlled the marketing side.
In 1890 A.J. Cameron was promoted to be the master blender for John Dewar and Sons. He is credited as a champion of the Double Aging process.
The Double Aging process is something that set Dewar’s apart from the competition– and still does. This is the process that involves aging the Scotch whisky even after it has been blended.
It is known to add a noticeable smoothness. All varieties of Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky are at least double aged.
The last important piece of the Dewar’s White Label puzzle was put in place in 1898. This is the year the Aberfeldy Distillery was built by the Dewar family in the Scottish Highlands.
One year later Dewar’s White Label was blended and Dewar’s has been a force in the marketplace ever since.
The Dewar’s brand has changed hands a few times since the 1800s and is now owned by Bacardi Limited which is one of the largest private spirit companies in the world. Grey Goose Vodka, Bacardi Rum, and Bombay Sapphire Gin are just a few examples of fine Bacardi Limited brands.
Dewar’s White Label is a double-aged blended whisky. The production of whisky starts by heating water, yeast, and malted barley.
The outcome of that mashing process creates wort which is fermented in vats to convert sugar to alcohol. That liquid is then distilled to purify and concentrate the alcohol.
From there the distilled alcohol is aged in oak casks for a number of years. In the case of blended whisky, the whisky is taken from various casks and blended to find the most desirable flavor profile.
Then as part of the double aging process, the blended whisky is aged again in oak to finish before being bottled.
Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky like other Scotch whisky is an appealing caramel color. It is known for being exceptionally smooth to drink. The taste can be complex but approachable.
The standout flavors are citrus and honey.
Dewars White Label Cost, Variations & Sizes
Dewar’s has a lineup as impressive as any in the spirit world. The varieties start in the very affordable range and get more expensive based on what the whisky is aged in and the length of aging.
| Type | Proof | ABV | Size | Average Price |
| Dewar’s White Label | 80 | 40% | 375 ml | From $14.99 |
| 750 ml | From $19.99 | |||
| 1.75 L | From $29.99 | |||
| Dewar’s 12 Year Blended Scotch | 80 | 40% | 750 ml | From $25.99 |
| 1.75 L | From $49.99 | |||
| Dewar’s 15 Year Blended Scotch | 80 | 40% | 750 ml | From $35.99 |
| 1.75 L | From $64.99 | |||
| Dewar’s 18 Year Blended Scotch | 80 | 40% | 750 ml | From $69.99 |
| Dewar’s 25 Year Blended Scotch Whisky | 80 | 40% | 750 ml | From $199.99 |
| The Dewar’s Smooth Series | 80 | 40% | 750 ml | From $21.99 |
| The Dewar’s Double Double Series | 92 | 46% | 21 Year: 375 ml | From $49.99 |
| 27 Year: 375 ml | From $99.99 | |||
| 32 Year: 375 ml | From $149.99 |
- Dewar’s White Label is the flagship blended Scotch whiskey in Dewar’s collection. White Label is the most affordable and its top seller.
- Dewar’s 12 Year Blended Scotch is aged in oak for 12 years.
- Dewar’s 15 Year Blended Scotch Whisky is dubbed “The Monarch” named after a famous painting. The 15 Year is Double aged in oak casks.
- Dewar’s 18 Year Blended Scotch Whisky is known as “The Vintage.” The 18 Year was first released in 2003.
- Dewar’s 25 Year Blended Scotch Whisky is the oldest in the permanent collection. This Scotch whisky is aged for at least 25 years in premium oak casks and then finished in Royal Brackla Casks.
- The Dewar’s Smooth series consists of five different 8 Year Blended Scotch Whiskys that were all finished in different casks. The Caribbean Smooth is finished in rum casks, Ilegal Smooth is finished in Ilegal Mezcal casks, Portuguese Smooth is finished in port casks, Japanese Smooth is finished in Japanese oak casks, and French Smooth is finished in Apple Spirit (Calvados) casks.
- The Dewar’s Double Double series consists of four stages of aging for each of the three varieties. These blended whiskies are aged, blended, aged again, and finally finished in sherry casks. The 21 Year Double Double is aged for 21 years and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the 27 Year Double Double is aged for 27 years and finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, and the 32 Year Double Double is aged for 32 years and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Dewar’s White Label Alternatives and Comparisons
If you’re in need of another quality affordable blended Scotch whisky your best bet is Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Blended Scotch. Chivas Regal 12 Year has a wide distribution, has a similar price point, and a comparable line of products.
Another option if you’re looking for a storied brand at an affordable price to Dewar’s White Label is Johnnie Walker Red Label. Johnnie Walker has been around since 1820 and Johnnie Walker Red Label compares favorably to Dewar’s White Label.
If Dewar’s White Label isn’t available and you feel like dropping a bit more cash then grab Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. It has a funny name but it is undoubtedly a quality blended Scotch whisky.
You still won’t break the bank but it is priced more in line with the Dewar’s 15 Year – about 60 to 70 percent more than Dewar’s White Label.
How to Drink Dewar’s White Label
Dewar’s is a fine Scotch whisky meant to be enjoyed neat, with water, or on the rocks. Dewar’s Scotch whisky will also go great mixed with soda water or in a fancy cocktail.
For Dewar’s on the rocks or mixed up a rocks glass or a highball glass will do the trick. If you are having Dewar’s neat you could also break out the Glencairn glass that is designed to let you smell your Scotch as well as taste it.
Your Dewar’s bottle should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight for the best longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Dewar’s scotch or whisky?
It’s both – kind of! The term whisky encompasses a few different types of spirits including Irish whiskey, rye whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch whisky. Scotch whisky is a specific type of whisky. To be labeled as Scotch whisky it must be made in Scotland and made from malted barley. You might have also noticed that there are two different spellings of this distilled spirit. It’s spelled “whisky” in Scotland, Japan, and Canada. It’s spelled “whiskey” in Ireland and the United States.
2. Is Dewar’s White Label gluten free?
Yes, Dewar’s complete line of Blended Scotch whiskeys is gluten-free. Distilled spirits are gluten free as the distillation process removes any gluten that may have been present.
3. Is Dewar’s White Label vegan?
Yes, all Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky mentioned in this article is acceptable for vegans.
4. What cocktails can I make with Dewar’s White Label?
Whisky Highball
- 1.5 Parts Dewar’s White Label
- 3 Parts Sparkling Mineral Water
- 1 Lemon Peel (for garnish)
- Fill a chilled highball glass with ice, add Dewar’s White Label and sparkling mineral water, stir well, and garnish with a lemon peel.
Blood and Sand
- ¾ oz Dewar’s White Label
- ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
- ¾ oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
- ¾ oz Orange Juice
- 1 Orange Peel (for garnish)
- Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange peel.
Rusty Nail
- 1.5 oz Dewar’s White Label
- ¾ oz Drambuie
- 1 Lemon Peel (optional garnish)
- Combine Dewar’s White Label and Drambuie in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a lemon peel before serving.
Interesting Facts & Myths
Dewar’s often gets involved in politics – but probably not in the way you think. Tommy Dewar was a prolific marketing mind in the late 1800s and he wasn’t shy in his techniques.
He sent a cask to President Benjamin Harrison at the request of Andrew Carnegie. This caused the president some trouble for drinking “foreign whisky.” The Dewar brothers also received the “Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria.”
It never hurts to have a queen endorsing your product.
