CORAL GABLES, Fla., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in the brand’s history, Dewar’s®, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky, borrows a tradition from its bourbon counterparts – scratching the barrels after charring – to create a unique, new liquid: Dewar’s Scratched Cask. The result is surprisingly smooth with a flavorful finish. Dewar’s Scratched Cask invites consumers to enjoy the prestige and tradition of Scotch with the characteristics of a bourbon.

“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, VP 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.”

Dewar’s Scratched Cask is a blend of up to 40 carefully selected single malt and single grain whiskies left to mature in oak casks at the brand’s home in Scotland for a minimum of four years. At that point, instead of bottling the blend, the mature liquid is married in handcrafted American oak casks, selected by master blender Stephanie Macleod. These barrels, bourbon and virgin ok, are heavily charred and then lightly scratched at the char layer to alter the flavor of the whisky. The liquid is then left to blend and breathe for additional months, a production process called finishing.

According to Macleod, “This is a Scotch produced in a bourbon style. We always age our blended Scotch whisky, but in this case, the process of scratching the barrels creates a truly exceptional Scotch whisky with distinctive and accessible notes of sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice with a smooth, satisfying finish.”

Dewar’s Scratched Cask signature serves include “Scratch and Soda,” as well as variations on classic cocktails like the Rob Roy or Old Fashioned. This limited release will be available as of May 2015 while supplies last, and will retail for $25.99 at select luxury liquor retailers nationwide.

About DEWAR’S®

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, the top selling blended Scotch whisky in the USA, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, DEWAR’S 15 Year Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year Old and the exclusive DEWAR’S Signature. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded Scotch.

The Dewar’s® brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.