J.P. Wiser's 15 Year

Continuing the tradition of opening new bottles, today we're having a classic North American showdown: Canada versus the US. Representing Canada: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 Year Rye Representing the USA: Maker's Mark No. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Entry Number 3: JP Wiser's 15 Year Brew Aroma: Caramel popcorn, oak, rye spice. Notably, the signature Wiser's orange peel note is absent here. Palate: A somewhat oily texture, fairly dry, with grains of all kinds and significant oakiness. A very good balance between sweetness and bitterness. Notes of burnt sugar and toast. Finish: Warm and dry, with the rye spice really intensifying the experience. This one truly invites contemplation. It's subtle and unfolds gradually, much like an elderly gentleman recounting a compelling tale. So far, this is hands-down the finest Canadian spirit I've sampled, and it surpasses many Scotch bottles I've purchased for at least twice the price. This will definitely be a staple in my collection. Outstanding, but likely not quite enough to best the American contenders unless the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a complete disappointment (which is highly unlikely). 4.25/5

Green apple, Bartlett pear, toffee, brown sugar, vanilla, and rye spices are prominent on the nose. Initially, subtle fruit notes dominate, followed by sweetness from the sugars, and then the minty, spicy character of the rye. The aroma is quite intricate, as expected for a 15-year-old whisky. The tasting experience is the reverse. Spices hit first, coating the back of the throat. Then come the vanilla and brown sugar. The toffee from the aroma is nearly absent on the palate, replaced by a mild maple syrup. The apple and Bartlett pear are present, alongside unripe pineapple and green mango. The flavors persist, allowing for enjoyment, but vanish quicker than anticipated. This is likely due to the low 80% ABV. However, it triggers significant salivation, making you crave another sip. This is an intricate whisky and worth purchasing. A very, very good whisky. Nose 4.25/5; Taste 4.25/5; Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Occasion: Friday Night Pour

Before opening, it appears very light with a strong ethanol scent. It's a little spicy. Honestly, I'm not detecting much complexity, still getting a lot of ethanol/alcohol smells and tastes. It's somewhat sweet and somewhat bitter, like the taste of nutshells or rancid nut oil, haha. After airing and chilling briefly, the ethanolic smell and taste shift towards maple syrup. However, there's something not entirely appealing about this whiskey, though it's not entirely bad either. I'd drink it if offered.

An completely dull and uninspired replacement for the much-missed Wiser’s Legacy. It has sweet woody oak and dry rye spice. Fortunately, I received this as a sample with another purchase, saving me the money for a bottle. Priced at $50 in Ontario.

Disappointing for a 15-year-old expression. The alcohol taste is quite prominent. Otherwise, it has flavors of burnt caramel, vanilla sweetness, and heavy spice. It's suitable for cocktails, but for the price, you can find a superior sipping whisky.

The nose is boozy with a hint of vanilla. The taste is very sweet, primarily maple and fruity. An excellent sipping whisky, and currently my top Canadian whisky choice.