Top 10 creative cask-finished spirits
Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth
In 2019, the rules governing Scotch whisky production were relaxed to allow new cask types to be used in maturation. Following this update to the regulations, Scotch whisky brand Dewar’s unveiled a blend finished in Ilegal Mezcal casks.
Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth is made by finishing eight-year-old Dewar’s in ex-Ilegal Mezcal casks for one month. The process is said to create an expression that complements the aromas and flavours of Scotch with the traditional profile of mezcal. Upon its launch, the product was the second cask-finished whisky from Dewar’s, following the release of Caribbean Smooth in 2019.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth is priced at US$21.99 per 750ml.