J.P. Wiser's Alumni Whisky Series Dave Keon

The more I experience this one, the more I appreciate it. This bottle retails for C$45, placing it below the cost of an entry-level Speyside like Glenlivet 12 (C$60), yet the Keon is both older and superior. Dr. Don (the Master Blender for this whisky) mentioned during an online tasting that this was his favorite in the series, and I completely understand why. Fantastic value. Acquire one if you can still locate it. I purchased two additional bottles for future enjoyment.

The aroma is a fantastic balance of sweet fruit and subtle spice. The taste offers caramel, oak, and more spice, all unified by an excellent coating quality. The finish is pleasingly drying with more pleasant wood notes. This is probably my top pick from the NHL series.