The Double Double series, launched by master blender Stephanie Macleod in 2019, takes A.J. Cameron's original double-ageing principle and applies it with what one might call Highland thoroughness. The process runs to four stages: the component malts are married first by style, the grains separately, the two are then brought together, and finally the whole is finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Four marriages in place of Cameron's two — hence the name.
Macleod, who became Dewar's master blender in 2006 and has collected an armful of industry honours since, is the first woman to hold the post. Her Double Double bottlings are notable not only for the extended method but for being released at 46% abv rather than the usual 40%, a decision that gives them considerably more presence in the glass than the standard range.
The twenty-one year old is the middle expression of the three. The nose is honey and dried fruit, oloroso in the background, walnut and dark chocolate joining polished oak. The palate is full and layered — honeyed malt at its heart, sherried raisin, fig, clove, orange peel and toasted oak all pulling together rather than jostling for attention. The finish is long, warming and spiced, with a trace of leather in its closing notes.
At this price one expects seriousness, and the Double Double delivers it. It is perhaps the most complete Dewar's blend on general release, and the extra abv makes a telling difference. Macleod has earned her reputation; this bottle shows why.
