Whisky Scion Cei Dewar on, well, Scotch

Who expects someone named Miller to have a connection with the Miller Beer brand? Well when I scheduled the gracious and very erudite commentator Cei Dewar on Quorum Radio to talk the fragile state of freedom in Great Britain, thought crimes and the persecution of Christians in the UK, I stumbled upon the fact that Ceirion Dewar is of the Dewar Whisky family. What followed was a most unexpected but fascinating conversation detouring into Scotland's proudest beverage. Although his collection is by no means vast he does have a prized 58 year Macallan whiskey among his stock. Cei was even weaned on whisky and recounted

how the Dewar Whisky connection dates to the first King Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland 700 years ago. They were the first priests and given rights to produce holy fire water and also given responsibility over protecting the crown, the crown jewels and the Mace of Office untl the reign of James I. Later, in 1999, the First Minister of Scotland, the late Donald Dewar received from Queen Elizabeth II the Golden Mace of Office to rule and govern in her name. Thus the Dewar family has been intrinsically linked to politics and to religion for seven centuries. It's interesting to note that Cei Dewar is a Pentecostal Bishop in Wales.

Does Cei Dewar have a favorite whisky? He answers diplomatically: "Comparing whiskies is like asking which of your dogs is your favorite?!" So cruelly casting canine concerns contemptuously aside his top five favorites? Well Dalmore is among them for sure though he won't say it's #1. Laphroaig Premium Scotch Whisky also is a top contender. Cei enjoys the threshing room floor treatment of the grains smoked with peat lending

that robust flavor so characteristic of Islay Scotland's proud distiller. The other brands have a personal connection. Among them? Haig's Blended Single Grain Whisky that isn't hard to love especially given that his godmother is a Haig family scion and her children were practically Cei's siblings. Where does that leave his filial devotion to his family name then-in tatters? Hardly. He is an enthusiastic fan of Dewar's Caribbean Breeze selection aged in rum barrels contributing to it's unique taste set as well as Dewar's Signature 25 year old Blended Whisky at under $200 bottle. Let's keep whisky in the family without breaking the bank!

Regarding decanters Cei Dewar prefers either Waterford or Stuart Crystal from Chepstow, Wales. Stuart Crystal was eventually bought out by the Waterford Wedgewood company and in 2015 by Fiskars of Finland.