Dewar's Double Double Collection

Dewar’s, a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky, has recently introduced their Double Double collection, a range of blended Scotch whiskies that claim to push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship. The collection features three expressions: the 21 Year Old, 27 Year Old, and 32 Year Old, each finished in different types of sherry casks and created using a unique four-stage aging process developed by Dewar’s Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod.

The Double Double collection has been making waves in the whisky world since its release in 2019, winning awards and garnering attention from enthusiasts and critics alike. But what exactly sets these whiskies apart, and is the hype surrounding them justified? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Double Double collection, examining the science behind the aging process, the unique characteristics of each expression, and whether the price tags are warranted.

The Four-Stage Aging Process: A Closer Look

At the core of the Double Double collection is the four-stage aging process, which Dewar’s claims is the key to achieving the ultimate in smoothness and complexity. The process involves the following steps:

Aging the single malt and grain whiskies separately for a minimum of 21, 27, or 32 years
Blending the aged whiskies together
Returning the blend to oak casks for a second round of aging
Blending the whisky once again and returning it to the cask for a third round of aging
Finishing the whisky in different types of sherry casks

While this process may sound impressive, it’s worth questioning whether it’s truly innovative or simply a marketing gimmick. Many whisky brands use multiple aging techniques and cask finishes to create unique flavor profiles. However, Dewar’s argues that the extended aging periods and multiple rounds of blending and re-casking allow for a greater interaction between the whisky and the oak, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.

The Science Behind the Double Double Process

The science behind Dewar’s claim is sound. During the aging process, the whisky interacts with the oak cask, extracting flavors and aromas from the wood. The longer the whisky spends in the cask, the more time it has to develop these flavors. By doubling the aging period and returning the whisky to the cask multiple times, Dewar’s is effectively increasing the surface area of contact between the whisky and the oak, leading to a greater extraction of flavors.

However, it’s important to note that extended aging periods and multiple rounds of blending and re-casking are not unique to Dewar’s. Many other whisky brands use similar techniques, albeit perhaps not to the same extent as the Double Double process. The quality of the base whiskies and the specific types of casks used for finishing also play a significant role in the final flavor profile, regardless of the aging process.

The Expressions: A Mixed Bag

The Double Double collection currently features three expressions, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile.

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old

Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the 21 Year Old is said to deliver subtle notes of cinnamon and ripe vine fruits, with a silky smooth finish. However, some reviewers have found this expression to be somewhat underwhelming, lacking the depth and complexity one might expect from a whisky of this age and price point.

Dewar’s Double Double 27 Year Old

The 27 Year Old, finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, is described as having heady floral notes and honeyed fruits, with a super silky smooth finish. This expression has received more positive reviews, with many praising its balance and complexity. However, some have noted that the Palo Cortado cask influence is relatively subtle, and that the whisky could benefit from a longer finishing period.

Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old

The 32 Year Old, finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, is one of the rarest expression in the collection. It is said to offer deep, rich, and ripe treacle notes, with a hint of smokiness and the ultimate silky smooth finish. While the 32 Year Old has received high praise from some quarters, others have found it to be overly sweet and lacking in balance, with the Pedro Ximenez cask influence dominating the flavor profile.

Dewar’s Double Double 37 Year Old Blended Malt

In addition to the core range, Dewar’s has also released a limited-edition 37 Year Old Blended Malt as part of their Double Double Collector’s Series. This expression, finished in Oloroso sherry casks that once held Aultmore single malt from the Speyside region, is presented in a lavish package complete with two Baccarat Massena crystal tumblers. While the 37 Year Old Blended Malt is undoubtedly a collector’s item, its scarcity and high price point (over $3,000) make it inaccessible to all but the most affluent whisky enthusiasts.

Pricing and Value: A Tough Sell

One of the most significant barriers to entry for the Double Double collection is its pricing. The 21 Year Old retails for around $150, the 27 Year Old for $250, and the 32 Year Old for a staggering $500. While these prices are not unheard of for aged and rare whiskies, they do raise questions about the value proposition of the Double Double collection.

It’s true that the four-stage aging process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and that the use of rare and expensive sherry casks adds to the cost of production. However, many other aged and rare whiskies are available at similar or lower price points, often with comparable or even superior flavor profiles.

For example, the Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak, a highly acclaimed single malt Scotch whisky aged exclusively in sherry casks, retails for around $300 – significantly less than the Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old. Similarly, the Glenfarclas 25 Year Old, another sherry cask-aged single malt, can be found for around $200 – less than the Double Double 27 Year Old.

Pricing vs. Awards and Accolades

Of course, pricing is not the only factor to consider when assessing the value of a whisky. The Double Double collection has received numerous awards and accolades, including gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These awards are a testament to the quality of the whiskies, but they don’t necessarily justify the high price tags.

It’s worth noting that awards and accolades are not always a reliable indicator of a whisky’s quality or value. Many factors can influence the judging process, including personal preferences, the specific criteria used, and even the order in which the whiskies are tasted. Additionally, some critics argue that certain competitions and awards are more focused on marketing and promotion than on objective quality assessments.

Alternatives to the Double Double Collection

For whisky enthusiasts looking for aged and rare expressions that offer better value for money, there are several alternatives to consider. Some examples include:

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak: A highly acclaimed single malt Scotch whisky aged exclusively in sherry casks, retailing for around $300.
The Glenfarclas 25 Year Old: Another sherry cask-aged single malt, available for around $200.
The GlenDronach 21 Year Old Parliament: A richly sherried single malt from the Highlands, priced at around $250.
The Glengoyne 25 Year Old: A well-balanced and complex single malt, matured in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks, retailing for around $400.

These are just a few examples of the many aged and rare whiskies available on the market that offer compelling flavor profiles and value propositions.

Conclusion: A Niche Product for a Niche Market

In conclusion, the Dewar’s Double Double collection is an interesting and ambitious attempt to push the boundaries of blended Scotch whisky. The four-stage aging process is certainly innovative, and the use of different sherry casks for finishing adds an element of complexity and uniqueness to each expression.

However, the collection is not without its flaws. The 21 Year Old has been criticized for lacking depth and complexity, while the 32 Year Old has been found by some to be overly sweet and unbalanced. The pricing of the collection is also a significant barrier to entry, with the 32 Year Old in particular seeming overpriced compared to other aged and rare whiskies on the market.

Ultimately, the Double Double collection is likely to appeal to a niche market of wealthy whisky enthusiasts and collectors who are willing to pay a premium for unique and rare expressions. For the average whisky drinker, however, there are arguably better value propositions to be found elsewhere.

While the four-stage aging process is certainly intriguing from a scientific perspective, it’s unclear whether it truly results in a superior flavor profile compared to other aging techniques. The specific characteristics of each expression will depend heavily on the quality of the base whiskies and the influence of the finishing casks, factors that are not necessarily tied to the Double Double process.

Final Thoughts In the end, the Dewar’s Double Double collection is an interesting experiment in the world of blended Scotch whisky, but one that may not live up to the hype for all drinkers. As with any whisky purchase, it’s important to consider one’s personal preferences and budget before investing in a bottle, and to approach any marketing claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

If you’re a die-hard Dewar’s fan or a collector with deep pockets, the Double Double collection may be worth exploring. For everyone else, it’s worth considering other aged and rare whiskies that offer similar or better value for money. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, one thing is certain: the world of Scotch whisky is vast and diverse, with no shortage of unique and interesting expressions to discover and enjoy.