A glass of Scotch whisky
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The International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the world’s largest and oldest spirits competition. It is also among the most extensive judgings of Scotch whisky globally. The IWSC has just released its 2025 Scotch whisky judging results. Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the three Blended Scotch Whisky contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy. The winner will be announced on November 12 at the IWSC Gala in London.
Black Bottle Captain’s Cask Blended Scotch Whisky. 46.3% ABV
Black Bottle Captain’s Cask is a blended Scotch whisky that brings together the tradition of smoky, peated whisky with the versatility of blended Scotch. It’s named for the maritime heritage that inspired the blend, symbolizing the journey of whisky casks across the seas. Produced by CVH Spirits, this distinctive smoky expression showcases a blend of different malt and grain whiskies, with a notable emphasis on peated expressions.
The whisky is bold and smoky on the nose, featuring a persistent, cold peat smoke. Subtle hints of honey, vanilla, and dried fruit notes, especially raisins and figs, provide sweetness to counterbalance the smoke. Additional roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a subtle iodine/seaweed maritime note add complexity.
On the palate, the peat smoke is pronounced but well-integrated. The whisky is sweet, with a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel that showcases earthy notes, caramel, dark chocolate, and a hint of dried fruits. It’s slightly savory, evoking its coastal origins, with underlying flavors of roasted coffee and toasted almonds.
The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of peat smoke, honey, vanilla, and a hint of oak spice.
Dewar’s, Double Double 32 YO Blended Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV
John Dewar & Sons, an iconic name in the Scotch whisky industry, is known for creating exceptional blended whiskies. The “Double Double” in the name reflects the double maturation process. The whisky undergoes two phases of aging, each in a different type of cask. The lightly peated character lends the whisky a hint of smokiness, complemented by the smoothness from the cask finishes.
The nose is complex, featuring dried fruit notes of raisins, apricots, and dates, interwoven with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and a hint of floral potpourri. A subtle smokiness from the lightly peated malt adds depth, while a touch of oak provides a rich, woody backbone.
On the palate, the whisky is rich, sweet, and creamy, showcasing notes of caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. As the whisky develops, the lightly peated character emerges, adding a smoky undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
The finish is long and sweet, with lingering caramel and vanilla. The smokiness gently fades, leaving behind a dry, slightly spicy aftertaste.
Dewar’s, Double Double 38 YO Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 48.8% ABV
The Double Double 38 YO Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a tribute to the art of blending, where multiple single malts are combined to create a complex and layered whisky. It’s unpeated, highlighting the richness and complexity from extended maturation in oak casks. The “Double Double” process refers to the whisky’s maturation in two different types of casks, each contributing its nuances.
The whisky is rich, aromatic, and slightly floral on the nose, featuring dried fruit aromas of dark cherries, figs, and raisins, along with notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla. Oak-derived spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove, add complexity, while the cask finish introduces a subtle note of roasted nuts and light wood smoke.
On the palate, the whisky is smooth and complex, with a distinctive weight and mouth-coating quality. Roasted nuts, dark chocolate, a subtle spiciness from the oak, and a slight savory character follow the initial sweetness of caramel and dried fruits. The oak influence becomes more pronounced as the whisky develops, offering a warm, woody character with hints of leather and tobacco.
The finish is long and complex, with lingering flavors of dried fruit, oak, and a light spice.
Each of these whiskies is outstanding, offering distinct and complex profiles that appeal to both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and beginners. The Black Bottle Captain’s Cask offers a robust peated character. The Double Double 32 YO provides a lighter, more balanced smoky profile, while the Double Double 38 YO provides a rich, unpeated experience full of maturity and complexity. All are worth trying, and if you like them, adding them to your whisky collection.
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