Whisky Review/Tasting: J.P. Wiser's (Canada) 18 Years
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Canada
- Type: Canadian Whisky
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Detailed specifics not provided, but it is an 18-year-old whisky, indicating a long maturation period.
- Age Statement: 18 years
- Color and Clarity: The whisky is colored (artificially added color).
- Bottle Design: Described as very square-shaped with sharp edges, resembling a cube or dice. The bottle has a unique, distinctive design, featuring a capsule for sealing and a shield-like icon.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a balance between woodiness, sweetness, and baked notes.
- Unique Characteristics: Notable for its very woody, piney aroma combined with oak, caramel, and a hint of sweetness. The flavor profile includes baked notes, cereals, caramel, baked apple, and cinnamon, evoking a Christmas mood.
- Comparison: While specific comparisons to other whiskies are not made, the flavor profile is unique for an 18-year-old Canadian whisky, with a festive, Christmas-like character.
Whisky Storytelling
- Recent History: The distillery saw a new master blender, Don Livermore, take over in 2012. His background in microbiology and R&D before apprenticing under the old master distiller is highlighted.
- Production Insights: The narrative includes a brief look into the master blender's journey and his role in maintaining the quality level of the whisky, suggesting that the 18-year-old expression might be a result of his influence.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Canadian Heritage: The whisky is a representation of Canadian whisky craftsmanship, particularly notable for its age statement, which is less common among Canadian whiskies.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "It's a great Canadian. It's one of the older ones you don't get many 18-year-old Canadian whiskies."
- The review emphasizes the whisky's smoothness, its unique Christmas-like flavor profile, and its distinctiveness as an aged Canadian whisky.
Summary
- J.P. Wiser's 18 Years is a Canadian whisky with a unique square-shaped bottle design.
- It features a matured flavor profile with a strong woody, piney aroma, complemented by notes of caramel, baked apple, and cinnamon, reminiscent of Christmas.
- The recent history of the distillery and the role of the new master blender, Don Livermore, are highlighted.
- The whisky is noted for its cultural significance as an aged Canadian whisky, a rarity in its category.
- Expert opinions praise the whisky for its smoothness and festive flavor profile.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Whisky Collectors: The unique bottle design and the rarity of an 18-year-old Canadian whisky make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.
- For Festive Occasion Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy whiskies with a festive, Christmas-like flavor profile will find this whisky particularly appealing.
- For Whisky Connoisseurs: Those with an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind aged whiskies and the influence of a master blender's background in shaping a whisky's character will find this expression intriguing.