New whisky combines the best of Scotch whisky and American whiskey know-how to create a unique liquid.

By John B. Virata

Dewar’s Scratched Cask is a new whisky that is prepared by scratching the barrels after charring to give it a new flavor, Scratched Cask.

The spirit is smooth and flavorful, according to the company, with vanilla notes that lend itself well to cocktails. It is comprised of 40 single malt and single grain whiskies that are matured in oak casks in Scotland for a minimum of four years. After it is aged, the whisky is “married in handcrafted American oak casks.”

“We are thrilled to continue to push the envelope in Scotch and create a bridge from one whiskey category to the other,” said Dan Pilas, vice president and brand managing director, Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky Portfolio. “Dewar’s Scratched Cask is not a hybrid, but different technique that combines the best of Scotch whisky and American whiskey know-how to create a new liquid that is smooth from start to finish.”

The barrels are charred and then lightly scratched at the char layer. This changes the flavor of the whisky. It is then left to blend and breathe for several more months where it is finished and then bottled. Each bottle is priced at $25.99.

For more information, visit www.dewars.com