Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery was established in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons, nestled in the heart of Scotland. At the helm of the blending process is Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender, who has been honoured as Master Blender of the Year six times, making her both the first woman ever to receive the award and the first person to hold the title for six consecutive years. Her expertise and passion ensure that every bottle of Dewar’s embodies the perfect balance of craftsmanship and innovation. Stephanie’s journey in whisky began nearly three decades ago, and her leadership continues to guide Dewar’s in producing exceptional blended Scotch whiskies.
What excites the team most is the ability to balance time-honoured craft with a spirit of innovation. Every cask gives them an opportunity to explore new depths of flavour whilst staying true to the traditions that define them. For Stephanie and the team, the joy comes from pushing boundaries, whether through pioneering ageing techniques, experimenting with cask finishes or reimagining the way whisky can be enjoyed, whilst also honouring their 179-year history and the stories that have shaped them. They take pride in creating whiskies that inspire people to share their most treasured moments over a dram, whilst also sparking new memories and stories for the future.
Dewar’s stands out through their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. For their core range, including Dewar’s 12, 15 and 18, the signature double-ageing technique is key to delivering that hallmark smoothness. The Double Double series, including expressions like 21, 37 and 38, is crafted through a four-stage ageing process, where the whisky is aged a second time in oak casks to develop remarkable depth, balance and smoothness. This extra step brings a richer, more rounded character, ensuring consistency across every expression. Their recent release, the Double Double 21 Year Old Magma Stone Toasted, features French Oak casks gently toasted using Icelandic magma stones, making it the first whisky to use this technique. By combining these ageing philosophies alongside creative finishing techniques, Dewar’s continues to set the standard for excellence in Scotch whisky.