A Trans-Atlantic Toast: How DEWAR'S New Whisky Blends Terroir and Tradition

SOUTHAMPTON, NY – June 18, 2026 – As the world's top golfers descend upon the historic fairways of Shinnecock Hills for the 126th U.S. Open, a different kind of master is making a statement. DEWAR'S Blended Scotch Whisky, in a move that bridges continents and industries, has unveiled its latest creation: a 19-year-old Scotch finished in local Long Island wine casks. This isn't just a commemorative bottle; it's a tangible example of how heritage brands are innovating by embracing a sense of place, blending ancient craft with hyper-local character.

The sixth iteration of the DEWAR'S 19 Year Old The Champions Edition is more than a nod to the brand's role as the Official Scotch Whisky of the U.S. Open. It represents a sophisticated partnership between the Scottish distiller and Southampton's own Wölffer Estate, a renowned winery. By finishing its meticulously aged Scotch in Cabernet Franc red wine casks from a neighboring estate, DEWAR'S is exploring the concept of terroir—a term long associated with wine—and applying it to the world of whisky, creating a spirit that is as much a product of Long Island as it is of Scotland.

A Legacy of Place-Based Innovation

Since DEWAR'S and the United States Golf Association (USGA) began their partnership in 2021, The Champions Edition has become an annual exploration of geography and flavor. The series has consistently sought to connect the spirit to the championship's host venue, creating a narrative that goes beyond the age statement. This strategy represents a forward-thinking approach to product development, where the story is as crucial as the liquid itself.

The inaugural 2021 edition for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in California was finished in American ex-bourbon casks, a classic choice that paid homage to American whiskey tradition. The following year, for the championship at The Country Club in Massachusetts, the blend was finished in a combination of ex-bourbon, new American Oak, and ex-rye whiskey casks, adding layers of complexity. The real turning point in this place-based strategy came in 2023 for the event at The Los Angeles Country Club. Master Blender Stephanie Macleod turned to Napa Valley red wine casks, marking a deliberate move to integrate the character of the host state's most famous agricultural product.

This trend continued with subsequent releases, including a 2025 edition for the tournament at Oakmont in Pennsylvania that was finished in Calvados Apple Brandy casks, reflecting the state's apple-growing heritage. Each release has served as a chapter in an unfolding story, demonstrating how a global brand can create meaningful, localized connections. The 2026 release, however, represents the most intimate connection yet, sourcing its finishing casks not just from the host state, but from a celebrated producer just miles from the Shinnecock Hills course.

The Spirit of Shinnecock: A Trans-Atlantic Collaboration

This year's expression is the result of a direct collaboration between Stephanie Macleod, a six-time Master Blender of the Year, and the team at Wölffer Estate. The choice of Cabernet Franc casks is particularly inspired. This grape variety is known for its aromatic profile, often yielding notes of red berries, violets, and a subtle herbaceousness—characteristics that can beautifully complement the foundational flavors of a well-aged Scotch.

"There is a natural synergy between whisky and wine; both are shaped by time, place and oak cask," said Stephanie Macleod in a statement. "For this year's Champions Edition, we used Cabernet Franc casks sourced from a renowned Southampton, NY winery to finish Dewar's 19. We have created an expression that not only showcases the complexity of our Dewar's Double-aged Scotch but also reflects the terroir of the wine region hosting this year's Championship."

The process begins with a blend of up to 40 single malt and grain whiskies, which are first matured for 19 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. After being harmonized, the spirit undergoes a secondary finishing period in the Wölffer Estate barrels. The result, according to the brand, is a whisky with elegant floral notes of violets and honey that open to a medley of red berries and blackcurrant, layered with cinnamon and dried orange peel. This cross-pollination of flavor—the malty, complex depth of Scotch meeting the bright, fruity, and floral influence of a Long Island red wine—is where true innovation lies. It challenges the traditional boundaries of Scotch whisky production while respecting its core principles.

Beyond the Bottle: Crafting a Championship Experience

The Champions Edition is the centerpiece of a broader strategy to embed the DEWAR'S brand into the fabric of the U.S. Open. The initiative extends beyond the limited-edition bottle, aiming to shape the consumer experience at the event itself. The official cocktail of the tournament is the DEWAR'S Lemon Wedge, a simple, refreshing highball made with DEWAR'S 12 Year Old, lemonade, and club soda. This serve is intentionally approachable, designed to introduce Scotch whisky to a wider audience that may not be accustomed to drinking it neat, especially on a warm June day at a golf tournament.

This multi-faceted approach transforms a simple sponsorship into a platform for brand storytelling and consumer engagement. As noted by Brian Cox, Global Vice President of Scotch Whisky at Bacardi, the goal is to be part of life's defining moments. "Rooted in the shared Scottish heritage of whisky and golf, The Champions Edition is our annual toast to the 19th hole and the stories that bring people together," he stated.

This strategy reflects a larger trend in the spirits industry, where brands are moving away from passive advertising and toward creating immersive experiences. By tying a product to a specific place and a prestigious event, DEWAR'S is not just selling a bottle of whisky; it's offering consumers a taste of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. This intersection of product innovation, strategic partnership, and experiential marketing provides a powerful model for how legacy brands can stay relevant and connect with a modern audience, proving that the future of tradition often lies in its ability to adapt and embrace the world around it.