Dewar's

When John Dewar opened his small wine merchant's shop in Perth in 1846, he could hardly have guessed that it would grow into one of the world's most award-winning blended Scotch brands. It was only in the 1860s that he began blending his own whiskies – a concept still largely unknown in the region at the time.

Under the leadership of his sons John A. Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar, the brand grew to become a global market leader by 1896. In 1898, the Aberfeldy distillery followed as the brand's own malt distillery, which still supplies the heart of Dewar's blends today. From the Dewar's White Label to the 12 Year Old, you will find the right bottle for every occasion in our selection.

How did a Perth wine merchant become a global brand?

John Dewar Sr. opened his shop on Perth's High Street in 1846 and first made a name for himself as a wine and spirits expert. It was only in the 1860s that he began blending so-called "mixture whisky" – at a time when blending was still a niche technique. The real international breakthrough came with his sons, John A. Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar: by 1896, the brand had risen to become a global market leader, winning numerous awards including a gold medal at the 1904 World's Fair in St Louis. Even before that, Dewar's had caused a stir in the US when Andrew Carnegie had a small keg sent to the White House for the inauguration of US President James Garfield.

Why did Dewar's build its own distillery?

To secure the quality and supply of malt whisky for their blends in the long term, the Dewar brothers had the Aberfeldy Distillery built in 1896 on land acquired from the Marquis of Breadalbane. Designed by renowned architect Charles Doig, the distillery began operating in 1898 and still supplies the characteristic malt component for Dewar's blends today. In 1899, the brand's first master blender, A.J. Cameron, created Dewar's White Label, still the best-selling flagship of the portfolio today.

Overview of the most popular bottlings

1. Dewar's White Label
The iconic flagship since 1899.
Taste: Soft, honeyed sweetness with subtle vanilla.
Serving suggestion: The perfect everyday blend, neat or in a highball.

2. Dewar's 12 Year Old
A double-aged blend with more depth.
Taste: Honey, ripe fruit, and creamy oak.
Serving suggestion: For anyone seeking a slightly more complex blend.

Facts and figures

Founded: 1846 by John Dewar in Perth. Own malt distillery: Aberfeldy (since 1898). Parent company: Bacardi (since 1998).