Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Maple Cask

We're continuing to crack open new bottles today with a classic North American showdown: Canada versus the US. Canada's contenders: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 year rye USA's contenders: Maker's Mark no. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. First, we have: The Maple Great One Nose: Overwhelming maple syrup, oak, brown sugar, butter. Palate: Extremely sweet, with a hot and thin mouthfeel. Some grain and rye heat accompany the delightful maple. Finish: Brief and disappears fast. Similar to downing a large helping of pancakes at a sugar shack. This would likely be far too sweet for a regular whisky aficionado, but for a proud Canadian who taps and boils their own maple syrup each winter, this is a definite guilty pleasure. Is it intricate? Absolutely not. Would it be ideal to add to your coffee while ice fishing? You bet. 3.75/5

I didn't anticipate enjoying this whiskey. Before even opening it, I assumed it would be overwhelmingly sweet. It is. It's not as sweet as Drambuie or Glayva, but it's certainly more appropriate for after dinner than before. This is my first encounter with any of the Wayne Gretzky whiskeys, and I expected to be let down. Despite its significant sweetness, this whiskey has a unique character and complexity that make it worth trying. It's not light, but it's very drinkable. It benefits from good water and should not be served too cold, as chilling it too much will mute the sweetness and other flavor notes. You'll certainly taste maple, but also other fruits, including applesauce and some subtle orange notes. If you enjoy Macallan, this is worth a taste.

Brought this bottle out after getting it last fall directly from the maker in Ontario during my visit to Toronto. It definitely has a nice maple flavor with a subtle viscosity like maple syrup in the whisky. It was unlike anything available in Maryland, so I'm very happy I made the purchase and brought it back to the US.

This one is my least favorite from the great ones collection up to this point. It's packed with maple, perhaps I expected a less pronounced flavor. I don't dislike it, but this bottle will likely last me through much of 2021.

The smoothness was a surprise. A definite whiskey kick, yet accompanied by a creamy, buttery maple taste that's perfectly balanced, not overpowering. I'll absolutely purchase this again!

The aroma is heavy with maple. It brings to mind breakfast, eating pancakes with genuine syrup, and has a slightly bready scent. The initial taste is sweet, but it rapidly gives way to a medicinal bitterness.