Dewars Dewar's White Label (bottled 1960s)

I bought this through the LCBO / Waddingtons auction - they gave no mention of when it was bottled, but an identical bottle (with the decorative tin) was released in 1966. So let's just say 1960s, and at a slightly higher ABV. No batch number or bottle code is given.

The colour is a pale gold. On the nose it's fairly malty and peaty while still hanging onto that honey / fruit theme: heather, papaya, cantaloupe and soft pear. As with the other White Label, water does nothing. Noses sweeter than the current bottling, yet at the same time that mild earthiness of the peat balances it out beautifully.

On the palate the peat maintains its integrity while allowing the fruit to come forward. More oak influence here as well; as usual with older blends, I'm sure the ingredients are older than those in the current bottling. Quite spicy with chili pepper. Slightly syrupy mouthfeel (like actual honey). Water does little. Quite complex and definitely shows some age.

The finish is a bit rough, with pepper, oak and a slightly cloying sweetness. Side by side with the current bottling, the 1960s is a bit sweeter in some ways, but the age and the peat add much more body (despite a disappointing finish). I do love my old blends, even when they are flawed...especially since I only paid $132 for it.

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