To mark the 126th U.S. Open, taking place June 18–21 at Shinnecock Hills in New York State, the Scottish distillery Dewar’s is unveiling a new limited-edition release of its 19-year-old whiskey.
This release, the sixth in “The Champions Edition” series, was finished in Cabernet Franc barrels from the Wölffer Estate vineyard on Long Island.
A 19-year maturation enriched by Cabernet Franc barrels
Dewar’s, an official partner of the US Open of Golf, is marking the launch of the 126th edition of the championship by unveiling the sixth version of its “The Champions Edition” whiskey. This special series, launched as part of the partnership between the brand and the tournament in 2021, aims to celebrate the historic ties between golf and Scotch whiskey.
To achieve this, the brand chose to collaborate with the Wölffer Estate winery, located in Southampton, to create a unique finish inspired by the local terroir.
The whisky is crafted from a blend of up to 40 Scottish malt and grain whiskies. After maturing for 19 years in bourbon and sherry casks, the blend is harmonized in reused oak casks before being finished in barrels that previously held Cabernet Franc from the Wölffer Estate.
“There is a natural synergy between whisky and wine; both are shaped by time, place, and oak casks,” explains Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender at Dewar’s. “We’ve created an expression that not only highlights the complexity of our Dewar’s Double-Aged Scotch but also reflects the terroir of the wine region hosting this year’s Championship. The Cabernet Franc casks contribute magnificent notes of red fruit, floral aromas, and a subtle hint of spice, resulting in a whisky that is both unique and unmistakably DEWAR’S—a testament to our ongoing quest to enrich our experience through the discovery of flavors.”
A tribute to the Shinnecock Hills course
The brand emphasizes that this special edition was designed to reflect the championship’s host venue. Shinnecock Hills is one of the five founding clubs of the United States Golf Association and ranks among the most iconic courses in American golf.
For Brian Cox, global vice president of Scotch whiskies at Bacardi, owner of the Dewar’s brand, this annual series celebrates both the sport and the moments of camaraderie associated with golf: “Drawing on the shared Scottish heritage of whisky and golf, The Champions Edition is our annual tribute to the 19th hole and the stories that bring people together. We are proud to continue this tradition with an edition inspired by the hills of Shinnecock and the vibrant character of Long Island.”
Dewar’s 19 Year Old “The Champions Edition” 2026 is available in limited quantities at select liquor stores and online. The whiskey is priced at a suggested retail price of $79.99 for a 750-milliliter bottle.
Read also > US Open golf tournament: Dewar’s celebrates the elegance of the game and the art of Scotch whisky
Featured photo : © Dewar’s
