Dewar’s finishes 21YO whisky in mizunara casks

Bacardi-owned Dewar’s has given its double-aged 21-year-old whisky a new finish in mizunara oak casks.

Hailing from Japan, mizunara oak is often difficult to acquire and challenging to mould into casks, as the oak takes 200 years to reach maturity and does not grow straight. Dewar's said, however, that the extra effort needed when working with mizunara was 'well worth it', as the liquid brings a ‘balance of succulence, purity and smoothness’. Bottled at 46% ABV and with notes of sandalwood, coconut and a 'sweet clean' finish that has a ‘touch of creamy vanilla’, the expression aims to bring the distilling traditions of Japan and Scotland together. Stephanie Macleod, master blender for Dewar’s, said: "The journey of creating this expression has been an exploration of flavours and craftsmanship. Together, my team and I introduced a distinctive twist to our award-winning Dewar’s Double Double 21 Years Old by finishing it in Japanese mizunara oak casks, creating a new and exciting whisky. “This latest iteration in the Double Double Series is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our connoisseurs." The Double Double series launched in 2019 as a global travel retail-exclusive and featured three expressions, which were aged for 21, 27, and 32 years. The 21-year-old was finished in oloroso Sherry casks. The nizunara finish can be picked up for RRP £119 (US$150). Brian Cox, vice-president of Dewar’s North America, added: "The unveiling of Dewar’s Double Double 21 Years Old Mizunara is a toast to change and growth. “This release reflects our steadfast dedication to crafting exceptional whisky experiences that not only bring people together, but also harmonise tradition and innovation. “When enjoying this whisky, let it be a catalyst for shared moments of joy and celebration with friends and family in a timeless toast to the blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Scottish tradition." Last year, another Scotch brand, Glenmorangie, also played with mizunara oak for the latest release in its ‘A Tale Of’ series.