J.P. Wiser's Canada 2018
43.4% ABV - Ontario, Canada
Nose: There is undeniably some rye in this blend – let me get that out of the way. Light spices, cinnamon, and perfume are all swirling around a background lemon polish.
Taste: Rye spices, malted grains. Wood, oak adds a dry bitterness. Butterscotch and vanilla emphasize the heavy mouthfeel.
Finish: The finish isn’t as complex as the taste, but there are cereal notes with pepper and strong spices.
I have not been disappointed with any of the releases by J.P. Wiser’s that I have sat down with. I was a big fan of their first release in the Northern Border Collection—the 35-Year—and the core 18-Year as well. These are both available at a very reasonable price in Canada. This one is a well-balanced dram and is tame enough to drink without addition of water. Interestingly, J.P. Wiser’s would have been the very first whisky I tasted!
Tasted July 05 2018.
84/100
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.
