Bourbon may be America’s official whiskey, but Dewar’s — a blended Scotch — serves as the formal spirit of the U.S. Open. It’s a fitting connection. After all, the Scottish did create the game and later introduce it across the pond.
As for the Scots’ namesake spirit — more specifically, the 19-year-old commemorative “Champions Edition” blended whisky that celebrates the 123rd U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club this week — there are a few things you should know, not only about how this special release tastes but also how it compares to the Dewar’s Champions Editions that came before it (and a standard bottle of Dewar’s).
First, here’s a primer on what preceded the 123rd U.S. Open Champions Edition. The premiere Champions Edition release in 2021 was distinct mostly for its age, though it was finished in ex-bourbon casks, which imparted richer honey, toffee, and vanilla flavors balanced by hints of ripe cherry. Last year’s release, meanwhile, represented a marriage of some whiskies finished in new American oak casks, while others were finished in former bourbon and former rye barrels. That recipe produced a prominent wood-spice aroma, which transitioned to a satisfying blend of flavors led by notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and dried apricots.
Now, let’s dive into the latest Champions Edition. If you’re only familiar with the Dewar’s core lineup — let’s use the 15-year as a litmus test — then this special release will both look and taste notably different. Whereas the standard 15-year pours a light golden color, for example, this commemorative release is darker and richer in appearance with a noticeable ruby hue — a colorization that reflects the blend’s finish in Napa Valley wine casks.
Smooth and easy-drinking, the standard 15-year is approachable, delivering prominent honey and vanilla aromas and flavors, with an introduction of red berry character on the nose and faint floral character (think lavender) on the palate. This year’s Champions Edition, by contrast, is more complex on the nose, with luscious berry notes and a strong spice character. Yes, familiar vanilla and honey aromas are still present, but they transition to supporting roles in this special release. Also, the blended whisky’s finish is lengthened and enhanced by a unique, almost tannin-like spice. Whereas many wine cask-finished single malt Scotch whiskies introduce only the fruity character of the wine, this mellow, blended whisky allows some of the secondary Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics to come through.
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The end result? This easy-drinking commemorative whisky is not unlike the U.S. Open itself. Smooth and approachable, it’s a spirit that even casual whisky drinkers will enjoy — much like how so many casual golf fans are enthralled by U.S. Open competition. Furthermore, that tannin-like spice on the finish creates a lingering excitement, one that mirrors the thrill of so many U.S. Open final rounds, where the margin of victory is often just a single stroke.
