Should you ask individuals what involves thoughts if you point out Canada, “hockey” is more likely to be among the many high three responses. Whereas it has change into a very international sport, no nation is as hockey mad because the Nice White North. Over 53% of present NHL hockey gamers are Canadians.
The solely stunning factor a couple of whisky line honouring nice Canadian hockey gamers is that it didn’t occur sooner. The Scots have their lengthy, unpronounceable Gaelic names, and tales of dodging the English tax collectors. The Individuals have (too many?) tales of “great-grandpappy’s pre-Prohibition” recipe. It’s solely logical that we Canucks proceed the whisky advertising custom of enjoying to nationwide stereotypes.
In equity, every NHL participant’s namesake whisky was the results of an precise collaboration with Dr. Don Livermore. In a radical break from whisky advertising custom, J.P. Wiser’s truly advised the reality. I child… form of. Dr. Don Livermore, J.P. Wiser’s/Corby’s Grasp Blender is a large hockey fan and was additionally a referee for a few years. It will be fascinating to ask Dr. Don if his ardour for hockey supersedes his ardour for whisky mixing and experimentation. Maybe we shouldn’t put him in that awkward place, and we must always simply benefit from the fruits of the staff’s labours.
I’ve great respect for Dr Don Livermore and for Lanny McDonald (and his wonderful moustache), however let me say upfront that this whisky has not been my favorite of the Wiser’s Alumni choices. It bought considerably higher with time, however even after 6 months it was, properly, you’ll see. I ought to state that this opinion isn’t shared by everybody as I do know fairly a number of individuals who actually loved this one. I regularly supplied it to friends, lots of whom appeared to take pleasure in it greater than I did.
J.P. Wiser’s Lanny McDonald 9 12 months Previous – Evaluation
Color: Honey.
On the nostril: Robust acetone/nail polish remover, even after 6 months of “air time”. After a really lengthy relaxation within the glass, there’s some fresh-cut oak, a bit of caramel and vanilla, and never a lot else.
Within the mouth: Skinny mouthfeel. I suppose you possibly can name it smooooooth. There’s a bit extra vanilla and caramel, pencil shavings, some apricots, and a contact of barrel char. Quick to medium size end, considerably drying, a faint trace of apricots, with a bit of toffee lingering. Including water makes this go from mediocre to disagreeable. With water it smells and tastes like nail polish remover (don’t ask how I do know what that tastes like). The end turns into unbearably bitter.
Conclusions:
The bottle says “Canadian whisky barrels and virgin oak barrels,” however I didn’t get most of the wealthy, candy notes I’d anticipate from virgin oak. The bottle says “wheat ahead,” however I didn’t get any notes I’d affiliate with wheated whisky. I bought loads of flavours and aromas I affiliate with not fairly grain impartial spirits, however fairly darned near it, uhm, I imply “high-proof, base whisky.” And whereas this “base whisky” would possibly work if left lengthy sufficient in good barrels, that doesn’t appear to be the case right here. That is drinkable neat, however not nice with water or ice. I’d say this isn’t really helpful, however lots of my “non-whisky mates” appeared to take pleasure in this one. Perhaps my moustache isn’t wonderful sufficient to completely respect this whisky.
Rating: 3/10
The Wendel Clark 11 12 months Previous 100% Rye was the primary whisky I attempted from the J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Sequence. I’m not ashamed to confess I really like the concept of a Canadian distillery teaming up with Canadian hockey legends to create this line-up. The Wendel Clark version is a mix of double column distilled rye and pot nonetheless distilled rye (if my info is appropriate), aged for 11 years in ex-bourbon barrels. That is bottled at 41.6% ABV, in honour of Toronto’s space code (416), the place Wendel Clark spent nearly all of his profession.
J.P. Wiser’s Wendel Clark 11 12 months Previous Rye – Evaluation
Color: Copper.
On the nostril: Rye spice, toffee, pink apples, oak, vanilla, a contact of mint.
Within the mouth: Wealthy and spherical, toffee sweetness, clementine oranges, a bit of little bit of coconut giving technique to peppery cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The end is medium size with Kraft smooth caramels, chai tea, with the style of coconut macaroons lingering. With the addition of water, there’s extra pink apple on the nostril, extra spice on the palate, and a pleasing hit of recent cigar on the end. I used to be loath so as to add water to a whisky bottled at 41.6% ABV, however water actually opens it up properly. A number of scant drops will suffice.
Conclusions:
This whisky is scrumptious neat and with water (and even ice, gasp). After I first opened the bottle, I discovered it similar to Lot no.40, however it modified with some air publicity or with my palate getting used to it. That’s a dialogue for one more day. Lot no.40 has a wider spectrum of flavours than the Wendel Clark Rye, and Lot no.40 is extra oak-driven on the whole, however this whisky is far more than a advertising gimmick. It delivers the products in a giant means.
Rating: 6/10
Photos courtesy of J.P. Wiser’s
