At the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), one blended Scotch whisky stood above thousands of global entries, earning a Spirit Trophy and setting new benchmarks for complexity and craft. Below is a brief description of the winner along with my personal tasting notes and the IWSC commentary.
The IWSC, based in London, is one of the most prestigious global spirits competitions. When it comes to Scotch whisky, no competition draws more entries—or carries more weight. Each year, expert panels blind-taste hundreds of whisky submissions from around the world, recognizing the finest with Gold, Gold Outstanding, and the ultimate honor: the Spirit Trophy.
In the world of Scotch, that honor is split three ways—one trophy for Blended Scotch and two for Single Malts, divided by age: under 20 years and 20 years or older. In 2025, the competition was fiercer than ever. Below is a closer look at the Blended Scotch Whisky that earned top distinction—a standout in the category for its craftsmanship, flavor profile, and distinct character in a field crowded with excellence.
Double Double 38-Year-Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 48.8% ABV, 375 ml.
Blended Scotch whiskies can be a mix of single malt whiskey and grain whiskey or a blend of different single malt. The term is used to described both types of whisky, although a blend of single malts without any grain whisky should be referred to as a blended malt.
Dewar’s Double Double 38 YO is a blended malt. It does not contain any grain whiskies. The single malts used in the blend are not disclosed but it is widely believed that it includes Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla.
Dewar’s has long been celebrated for pioneering the “double ageing”, what it terms “oak marrying” process—blending its whiskies, then returning the blend to oak casks to achieve exceptional smoothness. Building upon this practice, the Double Double series elevates the concept into a four-stage ageing journey:
The process has four main steps. In the initial aging, single malts from Highland and Islay regions are matured for the stated years, i.e., 21, 27, 32, 37… up to 38 years. When ready, the malts are blended and aged again in the same original casks. In the optional third step, in some expressions, a portion of the previous year’s release is held back, aged further, and incorporated into the new blend.
The resulting blend is transferred into a cask that previously held Sherry. Each expression in the Double Double series was finished in casks that held different types of Sherry. The 38-YO expression, for example, was finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks, previously used for Royal Brackla single malt, for several months to deepen complexity and flavor.
Production and Tasting Notes
All of the component whiskies were aged at least 38 years. Each edition in the Dewar’s Double Double series honors a specific Scotch-producing region. The 38-YO expression highlights the Northern Highlands, combining Highland freshness with Islay’s complex character.
The 38-year-old also incorporates portions of the 37-year-old release aged for an additional year, allowing a Solera-inspired continuity between the different expressions. Finishing the 38 YO in second-fill PX sherry casks that once housed Royal Brackla whisky adds a luxurious richness and layered complexity. Stephanie Macleod, a six-time Master Blender of the Year, crafts the series.
The whisky features pronounced aromas of white flowers, followed by subtle notes of cold smoke, vanilla, cooked cereal/grain, and marzipan/sweet almond flour notes. The PX influence emerges with dried fig, raisin, and prune nuances.
It’s smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet on the palate, showcasing flavors of vanilla, toasted grain, marzipan sweetness, along with a rich core of dried figs, plums, dark chocolate, and subtle notes of cold smoke.
The finish is long, sweet, and creamy, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, dried fruity sweetness, and a gentle smokiness.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring a floral nose reminiscent of chocolate-covered Turkish Delight, offering an enticing blend of cinnamon and blood orange. A velvety, oily texture unveils a sherry-like spiced dried fruit palate, while a delightful herbal note adds intrigue. Toasted nuts linger on the finish.”
The Double Double 38-Year-Old is not just another aged whisky—it’s a masterful exploration of blending and maturation, combining time-honored tradition with bold innovation. Its meticulous construction, from regionally selected malts to the strategic carry-forward and sherry cask finish, makes it a standout blended Scotch whisky and a worthy winner of the IWSC Blended Scotch Whisky trophy.