John Dewar, a respected expert in wine and spirits, opened his own merchant shop on Perth’s High Street in 1846. Drawing on his deep knowledge of flavour and quality, in the coming years he began selecting the finest casks of Single Malt and grain whiskies to create his own proprietary blends in the 1860s, laying the foundation for what would become the House of Dewar’s.

Stock records reveal that DEWAR’S was among the first Scotch whisky makers to adopt what we now call Double Ageing, the practice of ageing, blending, then ageing again in oak casks. This meticulous process was developed to create smoother, more harmonious whisky.

It remains central to our blending philosophy today, used in every bottle of DEWAR’S 12, 15, and 18 year old, and now further evolved in our Prestige four-stage ageing process.

With John’s sons now running the family business, John Alexander and Tommy Dewar first drove the expansion into England and London, before taking the business global in the early 1890s. They grew its reputation for quality by assembling one of Scotland’s finest cask inventories of rare and old whiskies.

In 1886, DEWAR’S earned its first major award at the Edinburgh International Exhibition, an exceptional achievement at a time when whisky quality was highly variable. This marked the beginning of DEWAR’S journey toward international recognition, establishing the foundation for what would become a legacy of quality and craftsmanship.

Legend has it that the ‘Original Highball’ was born when Tommy Dewar, while in a New York bar, ordered a ‘ball’ of Scotch whisky served in a tall glass. His flair for storytelling and innovation helped propel the Scotch Highball into the American mainstream during the 1890s.

A.J. Cameron, the first Official Master Blender appointed outside the founding family, was a true pioneer. He would go on to create the now-iconic White Label, a defining expression of the Dewar’s house style and one of the world’s most enduring Blended Scotch whiskies.

By the early 20th century, the DEWAR’S name had become synonymous with premium Scotch whisky across established markets, establishing itself as a leading exporter. This reputation was built on decades of consistent quality and the pioneering vision of the Dewar family, making the brand a trusted choice for discerning whisky drinkers worldwide.

Stephanie Macleod was appointed as Dewar’s seventh Master Blender, becoming the guardian of the entire Scotch whisky portfolio. With a deep respect for tradition and a vision for the future, she continues to shape whiskies that honour the legacy and house style of Dewar’s.

Inspired by blending records found in the archives, Stephanie Macleod pioneered Dewar’s Four-Stage Ageing Process to launch the Prestige Collection. Featuring some of the brand’s oldest and most refined expressions, these whiskies have earned global acclaim for their exceptional depth, elegance, and award-winning quality.

Dewar’s is the World’s Most Awarded Blended Scotch Whisky, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavour. At the heart of this success is Stephanie Macleod, named World’s Best Master Blender for six consecutive years, a testament to her extraordinary skill and leadership.