Dewar's Ilegal Smooth Mezcal Cask Finish 8 Year Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml

Dewar's Ilegal Smooth is the world's first blended scotch whisky finished in ex Mezcal casks, an innovative cross border collaboration between John Dewar and Sons of Scotland and Ilegal Mezcal of Oaxaca, Mexico. Crafted by Dewar's Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, the second release in the Dewar's Cask Finish series begins with the brand's signature recipe of up to 40 individual single malt and grain whiskies, all matured at least 8 years and then double aged at the Dewar's aging warehouses in Glasgow to develop the brand's distinctive extra smooth house style. The blended whisky is then transferred for a final finishing period into ex Ilegal Mezcal casks sourced directly from Oaxaca, where Ilegal produces its hand crafted artisanal mezcal from native Espadín agave. The result is a one of a kind blended scotch that layers Dewar's classic honeyed, floral, fruity Eastern Highlands character with subtle agave warmth, sliced green pepper, and a gentle wisp of mezcal smoke on the finish. Bottled at 40% ABV in 750ml and built around a centuries old Scottish blending tradition that traces back to John Dewar in 1846, this is one of the most genuinely original everyday blends on the market and a great gateway to cask finished scotch for tequila and mezcal drinkers.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright golden straw.

Nose: Malty and nutty with classic Dewar's honey and floral character, lifted by fresh agave warmth, freshly sliced green bell pepper, caramel, and a wisp of mezcal smoke.

Palate: Plush and unexpectedly sweet, with pound cake, citrus, vanilla, gentle cereal, and dry hay, accented by herbal agave notes, mild spice, and a subtle savory vegetal edge from the mezcal cask.

Finish: Medium length, with returning agave warmth, a spicy bitter accent, and a long wisp of soft smoke trailing off into the Dewar's signature smoothness.

FAQ

What does the mezcal cask finish actually do? After the 8 year old blended scotch is married together in Glasgow, the finished blend is transferred into casks that previously held Ilegal Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico. The empty mezcal casks retain residual agave oils, smoke compounds, and earthy character from their original spirit, which gently infuses into the scotch during the secondary maturation. The result is a familiar scotch backbone with surprising agave, green pepper, and gentle smoke top notes that neither traditional scotch nor mezcal alone delivers.

What is the Dewar's Cask Finish Series? A line of innovative cask finished blends launched under Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, designed to introduce new flavor experiences while staying true to the Dewar's house style. The series launched with Caribbean Smooth (rum cask finish), followed by Ilegal Smooth (mezcal cask finish, this expression), and continues to expand with newer cask types.

What is Ilegal Mezcal? Ilegal is a premium artisanal mezcal brand founded by John Rexer in Antigua, Guatemala, with production in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is made from hand harvested Espadín agave roasted in traditional earthen pit ovens, then crushed by tahona stone and double distilled in copper pots. Ilegal's casks bring concentrated smoke and agave character into the Dewar's blend during the finishing phase.

Who is Dewar's? Dewar's was founded by John Dewar in Perth, Scotland in 1846 and grew into the best selling blended scotch in the United States by the early 20th century. The brand is now owned by Bacardi and centered around Aberfeldy Distillery, with Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, the only woman ever named Master Blender of the Year four years running at the International Whisky Competition.

Where can I buy Dewar's Ilegal Smooth online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.