DEWAR'S origins date to the mid-19th century. Founder John Dewar was born in 1805 in the small village of Dull, near Aberfeldy, Scotland, where he grew up on a farm. After an apprenticeship as a joiner, he moved in his early 20s to Perth, where he began working for his uncle's wine and spirits wholesaling firm. He became a partner in 1837, but in 1846 decided to go into business on his own and began blending whisky from several different producers to give it a mellower flavor. Dewar was one of the first to sell his beverage in a glass bottle with the brand name embossed on the front, rather than in a ceramic container.

John Dewar Senior passed away in 1880 and was succeeded by his sons John Alexander and Tommy. It was Tommy who made the name of Dewar known world wide. He was an extrovert and showman whose escapades were not appreciated by his competitors, but by 1894 his enterprise had established 32 agents in no fewer than 26 countries. By this time, the firm had built a new headquarters next to the railway station in Perth from which a private siding led to their premises. Accordingly, Aberfeldy Distillery was also built next to the railway.

Built by the Dewar family in 1898 on the edge of Highland Perthshire, Aberfeldy Distillery produces a fine and sophisticated Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Reserved for years as the heart of DEWAR'S blends, limited quantities of Aberfeldy single malt whisky are now available.

DEWAR'S celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2006. And, today, the Company owns five distilleries: Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Brackla, Aultmore and MacDuff. All produce whisky for DEWAR's blends, as well as limited-edition single malt scotches.

More than a century and a half after its namesake began blending whisky in Perth, Scotland, John Dewar & Sons, Ltd. continued to produce fine distilled beverages. The firm's flagship brand, DEWAR'S White Label, was the best-selling whisky in the United States and also popular in other countries around the world. With the backing and distribution muscle of new owner Bacardi, the company appeared well-positioned for many more years of success.