J.P. Wiser's 18 Year Old Blended Canadian Whisky (750ml)

Selling for a song: One of the all-time benchmarks in age statement Canadian whisky.

Another week, another never to be repeated deal in premium spirits...
Generally considered a high point in its genre, certified Malt Maniac, Davin de Kergommeaux, enthuses about Wiser's 18 in his comprehensive blog www.canadianwhisky.org stating, "The longevity of Wiser's 18 year old is a testament to its spot at the apogee of Canadian whisky."
He adds, "Most people would be surprised to learn that a whisky this richly flavourful contains almost no rye or other flavouring whiskies. No, it is almost entirely corn whisky that has been distilled to high proof (94% + -) then left to mature for eighteen years in well-used ex-bourbon barrels. So, most of those wonderful flavours come from the slow oxidation of the spirit in the barrel and from the even slower chipping away at the wood by the ethanol... Look for pencil shavings, fresh-sawn lumber, sweet barrel notes, hot peppers, typical hard crisp peppery rye (from the wood, not the grain), vanilla, sweet fruits (prunes) and sour fruits (limes, kiwis), dry grass, faint pitchy notes and leathery Ontario tobacco. Very complex, and beautifully balanced with no dominant flavours, but a single well-synthesized whole."

As one of the best selling brands in its home country, it's no surprise this extra aged Wiser's has received wide acclaim including a Double Gold at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Once again, an offer unlikely to ever be repeated, so stock up.

Tasting note: Flawless amber gold colour with heavy aromas of caramel, vanilla wafer, creamy soda, coffee confectionary and peach nectar. This is packed with rich vanillas, caramel fudge and candied fruits in a svelte textured, buttery delivery that sees faint rye spice and oak tannin peaking through the finish. Very mellow, sweet, sipping or if you must, try it with (good) ginger ale. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Exceptionally creamy, but maintains the required sharpness. 94 points
- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017

Wood, wood, wood, but ever so complex with hot pepper, baking spices, butterscotch, vanilla, rye grain, tobacco, cigar box, sour-dough, and dried baking fruits ending in a citric zestiness. Rich & Oaky. 5 stars - www.canadianwhisky.org

Wisers is a venerable brand, started by the son of a Dutch farmer from New York State in the late 1800s. Like his father, J.P. was a man of integrity and an exceptional work ethic, evidenced in his whisky-making, summing up his approach as "Quality is something you just can't rush. Horses should hurry, but whisky should take its time."

Nowadays, Dr. Don Livermore is the Master Blender behind the brand. He began his career as a microbiologist in quality assurance at Hiram Walker and Sons Limited - home of J.P. Wiser's - then worked in research and product development for 11 years before taking the helm as Master Blender in early 2012.