Dewar's 8 Years Caribbean Scotch Rum Cask Finish

Overview
Dewar's 8 Years Caribbean Scotch Rum Cask Finish is a blended Scotch whisky that introduces tropical sweetness through a secondary finish in ex-Caribbean rum barrels, marking the first release in the distillery's double-aged cask finish series. This expression balances accessibility with subtle complexity, appealing to those seeking a less peaty alternative to traditional blends.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Crafted in Perthshire, Scotland, this whisky undergoes primary aging for eight years before a six-month finish in rum barrels, which imparts rounded sweetness and diminishes smoke notes. Dewar's, owned by Bacardi, developed the series to compete with flavored whiskies while renewing interest in blended Scotch.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Fruit, spice, coffee, and wood mingle with faint smoke and sweet undertones, evoking wet saddle and subtle rug shop aromas.
• Palate: Soft and oily texture carries chocolate, coconut cream, and caramel, alongside pleasantly smoky sweetness that's rounder and less peaty than classic Scotch blends.
• Finish: Lingering butterscotch and caramel provide a clean, sweet close.

Notable details

• Production: Double-aged with eight years in primary barrels followed by six months in ex-Caribbean rum casks; 80 proof.
• Lineage: From Dewar's historic Perthshire distillery, blending up to 40 whiskies for consistency.
• Availability: Widely available at budget-friendly prices around $22–$23 MSRP.

"Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth is a sweet, one-note whisky that's perfectly pleasant for those with a sweet tooth, especially at its low price." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A straightforward, rum-influenced blend ideal for easy sipping and broad appeal in the Scotch category.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth Rum Cask Finish 8 Years Old"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Dewar's Caribbean Smooth Whisky Review: Rum Cask Finish Blend"

[3] Drinkhacker – "Review: Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth Rum Cask Finish 8 Years Old"

[4] Thewhiskeywash – "Dewar's Caribbean Smooth Whisky Review: Rum Cask Finish Blend"

[5] Drinkhacker – "Review: Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth Rum Cask Finish 8 Years Old"