I always love the energy when I walk into the lobby of ITC Gardenia. The gentle to strong breeze through the wind tunnel and especially the open lobby is always inviting and relaxing.
Highland Nectar is ITC Gardenia's Lounge Bar which was host to the Dewar’s Academy, for a learning, tasting and mixing session of Dewar’s whisky.
Highland Nectar is ITC Gardenia's Lounge Bar which was host to the Dewar’s Academy, for a learning, tasting and mixing session of Dewar’s whisky.
Dewar’s currently owned by Bacardi, founded in 1846 by John Dewar, John Dewar & Sons Ltd has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Perth, Scotland, to become a global brand. DEWAR'S is also known for its flair for innovative advertising and promotions. Dewar's White label claims to be the largest selling blended scotch in the United States of America.
On arrival at Highland Nectar, we were welcomed with an Old Fashioned, a cocktail that dates back to the early 1800’s. Here, the ingredients include Dewar’s white label, a dash of bitters, ginger ale and a slice of orange.
Our host, Avinash Kapoli, brand ambassador for Bacardi was at his best both inside and outside the bar. Here we see his drummed-up version of a coconut high-ball with Dewar's.
After the initial ice breaking conversations we settled into our seats and ready for our excitement, we were introduced to Fraser Campbell, global brand ambassador for Dewar’s and co-founder of The Global Bartender Exchange, an online platform for bartenders, now over 150,000 members strong.
At our tables we were taken in by the well appointed display. A platter of crackers and cheese was accompanied with all the great stuff for our master class. Measuring jars, beakers, whisky glasses, tasting note pads, pens et al.
In the first part of the session, we were give 5 decanters with different expressions of whisky fruity, floral, grain, cereal and smokey.
We discussed and experienced all 5 expressions and were left to decide what appealed to us the most. Then came the most interesting part where we created our own blends.
We were provided a measuring jar and a beaker to mix the whiskies in the proportions to the desired taste.
This was the fun part as we got to name our own created blends.
Drinking responsibly, we started the experience or should I say, the tasting sessions of the three blended scotch whiskies.
Dewar's 12 year old blend, called 'Double Aged' due to the 6 months of marrying in oak casks that the whisky does after initial maturation and blending
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Dewar's Old Fashioned |
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Avinash Kapoli - Brand Ambassador Bacardi |
Our host, Avinash Kapoli, brand ambassador for Bacardi was at his best both inside and outside the bar. Here we see his drummed-up version of a coconut high-ball with Dewar's.
After the initial ice breaking conversations we settled into our seats and ready for our excitement, we were introduced to Fraser Campbell, global brand ambassador for Dewar’s and co-founder of The Global Bartender Exchange, an online platform for bartenders, now over 150,000 members strong.
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Fraser Campbell, Global brand ambassador Dewars interacting with the whisky lovers of Bengaluru |
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Well appointed tables |
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Cheese platter |
In the first part of the session, we were give 5 decanters with different expressions of whisky fruity, floral, grain, cereal and smokey.
We discussed and experienced all 5 expressions and were left to decide what appealed to us the most. Then came the most interesting part where we created our own blends.
We were provided a measuring jar and a beaker to mix the whiskies in the proportions to the desired taste.
This was the fun part as we got to name our own created blends.
Drinking responsibly, we started the experience or should I say, the tasting sessions of the three blended scotch whiskies.
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Three expressions - Dewar's portfolio |
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Dewar's 12 years |
Dewar's 12 year old blend, called 'Double Aged' due to the 6 months of marrying in oak casks that the whisky does after initial maturation and blending
Tasting Notes
Nose: Fruity
like stewed apples, raisins, vanilla, floral, sweet with notes of barley and a
tinge of honey.
Palate: Notes of barley malt, buttery, a little honey, and some
aniseed spiciness.
Finish: A touch oak, alongside plenty of thick malt and sweetness.
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Dewar's 15 years |
A 15 year old blended Scotch whisky expression from Dewer's. This is definitely better that the 12 year expression. The finish is interesting and you can feel the spirit come right through.
The famous Dewar's blend aged for 18 years then married in a vat for an extended period, hence the name 'Double Aged’.
Tasting Notes
While my friends preferred the Dewar's 15, I personally preferred the Dewar's 18 which was smoother. Overall a very nice evening that went late into the night.
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Tasting Notes
Nose: A good
balance spices, nutty elements and fruity.
Palate: Hint of coconut honey, Vanilla toffee.
Finish: A lengthy and warm finish
The famous Dewar's blend aged for 18 years then married in a vat for an extended period, hence the name 'Double Aged’.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Honey
poured over fruit. Almond,
Palate: Almond, butterscotch and a little oaky.
Finish: Soft, flavourful and sweet
Overall: This is an easy drinking malt plush, reassuring and lasting
While my friends preferred the Dewar's 15, I personally preferred the Dewar's 18 which was smoother. Overall a very nice evening that went late into the night.
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Flanked by Avinash Kapoli on the left and Fraser Campbell on the right |
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Friends |
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#diningtalesbypuneet
@Dramble_On
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