J.P. Wiser's 18-Year
40% ABV - Ontario, Canada
Nose: Dry grasses, straw, lemongrass, wood polish, lightly spiced, very light fruits, and a faint note of rye. Adding water only brought out some toasted nuts.
Taste: Vanilla and wood are upfront, citrusy – mandarin, sweetness, honey, and an overall creamy character.
Finish: Spices, old wood, dark or raw honey, and butterscotch.
This is a generally pleasing dram. I first tasted this only a year ago against the 35 Year Old from the 2017 Northern Border Collection, and it came out on top. I haven’t had too many aged Canadian whiskies, but this is easily one I’ll be recommending for others to try. It is primarily the great value – under $100 – which isn’t matched on the shelf of any local stores, especially compared to scotch and bourbon options!
The actual blending recipe of J.P. Wiser’s 18 is not posted on their website, but some searching suggests that it is predominantly corn with possibly some rye or barley – as the blend may change over time when produced in “smaller” batches.
Tasted 06 January 2019, 10 December 2018. (Posted 09 January 2019.)
88/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
