Dewar's Scotch, what's similar but better?

Question

Is Dewar's a blended scotch or a single malt? And which ever it is, is it one of the better brands and what might be comparable? My Father drinks Dewar's and i'm trying to find a good scotch for a birthday gift.

Thanks to all the experts.

Answer 1

Glenfield 12 year old scotch

Answer 2

Better brands....

Macallan Fine Oak" 10, 15 and 21 yo. Highland these are awesome, Glenlivet, Talisker 10 yo, Chivas Regal Blend 12 yo., Compass Box "Asyla", and Laphroaig 30 yo. Islay Single Malt.

Another point of confusion about single malt Scotch, besides the type of glass to drink it from, is water. To add or not to add, that is the question. Well, the experts add a touch of water and the reason is simple. Because of the high alcohol content of many single malts and their age, the potency levels are quite high.

In fact, cask strength and the fumes therein can burn your nose when you take a whiff. The alcohol can also nullify the delicate flavors inherent in the spirit and numb your senses. Thus, minimal room temperature dilution (I don't recommend using tap water) is the way to go.

Some experts even claim that some sips of strong coffee or bites of dark chocolate help in the appreciation process.  

Answer 3

Dewar's is a blended scotch.  If his usual dram is the "white label" variety (sometimes has a yellow label, but still says while label on it), then you can upgrade to an older bottling, like Dewar's Ancestor or Reserve (both 12yo), 18yo, or Signature.  

Other middling-good blends are Johhnie Walker Gold Label (retails around $70), Chivas Regal 12 ($40),

If he drinks a 12 or 18yo, get him one older than his usual.  If he drinks Signature, you'll be hard-pressed to find a higher-quality blend without breaking the bank.    Bank-breakers include Johnnie Walker Blue Label ($200+), or a good single malt.

Good single malt scotches are almost entirely a matter of taste, as each distillery's produce is quite autochthonic.  If he likes Dewar's, he might like the normal Glenmorangie or the Glenlivet 15yo French Oak.  If you want something exotic and unlike Dewar's, a peaty Laphroaig or fruit Macallan sherry oak bottling would fit the bill.

If there are blended Japanese whiskies at your nearest store you could get him one of those for a change of pace.  The cheap ones aren't so good, but the older and pricier varieties are similar enough to scotch, yet distinctive in their own way.

Answer 4

Blended.

Answer 5

Depends on how he drinks it.

If he drinks it neat, straight or on the rocks, meaning all he adds is water of some sort, then you can upgrade him to Dewars Reserve or Aberfeldy Single Malt, which is the distillery that Dewars is blended from. If you just want a good, inexpensive scotch, look into Balvenie 10, Dalwhinnie or Dalmore.

If he mixes it, then I don't know if I'd buy him a new scotch. Maybe look into new glassware.