Dewar’s Japanese Smooth Scotch Whisky
Dewar's Japanese Smooth Scotch Whisky — officially Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth — is an 8-year-old blended Scotch whisky finished for six months in Japanese Mizunara oak casks, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Crafted from up to 30 single malt and grain whiskies, each matured at least 8 years and double-aged in Dewar's signature marrying process, it takes on the rare "water oak" of Japan for a final six months — a permanent, not limited, addition to the Dewar's Cask Series launched in July 2021. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 40% ABV / 80 proof
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 8 years old
- Origin: Blended in Perth, Scotland (Bacardi)
- Production: Up to 30 single malt and grain whiskies, double-aged; finished 6 months in Mizunara oak casks
Mizunara: Japan's "Water Oak"
Mizunara is a roughly 200-year-old, highly porous Japanese oak variety that is notoriously difficult to work — and Dewar's master blender Stephanie Macleod sought it out anyway. Its porosity imparts sandalwood and cinnamon spice character you simply do not get from American or European oak. The official nose: subtle floral honey and heather with complex sandalwood aromas, followed by cinnamon spice on the palate — and dewars.com's own summary: "a refined whisky layered with honey, vanilla, coconut, and sandalwood spice." It earned Gold at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. Browse our whisky selection and the rest of the Dewar's range.
Tasting Notes
Honey, vanilla, and coconut layered with sandalwood spice; subtle floral honey and heather on the nose with cinnamon spice on the palate — refined and smooth, true to the name.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to open the Mizunara spice. The honeyed smoothness also makes it an easy highball whisky — soda water, lemon peel, done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dewar's Japanese Smooth?
8 years old — every component whisky is matured at least 8 years before the Mizunara finish.
What is Mizunara oak?
A rare, ~200-year-old Japanese oak ("water oak") prized for imparting sandalwood and cinnamon spice character to whisky.
Is it a limited edition?
No — it is a permanent addition to the Dewar's Cask Series, launched in the US in July 2021.
What does it taste like?
Honey, vanilla, coconut, and sandalwood spice with floral honey and cinnamon notes.
East meets Scotland in the glass — buy Dewar's Japanese Smooth Scotch Whisky online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.