J.P. Wiser's 18 Year

3.7/5 - I'm glad I didn't give up on this bottle. My first impression was thorough disappointment. I could not believe I was tasting a whisky matured in wood barrels for 18 years because it was just as light and bland to me as any standard canadian blend. I was expecting deep rich flavors and something that was distinctly different from the other young whiskys on the shelf. However I have to say I now feel differently...Maybe it's just my mood but there's a particular oaky sweetness that I'm really enjoying tonight. The vanilla, nutmeg and creamy custardy orange citrus are really working their magic. Theres also maple, taffy and a hint of coffee on the nose. There is an alcoholic nip on the nose but it does go away after letting it sit for around 20 min...Then the real sweetness presents itself. I decided to compare to Wisers deluxe side by side and the difference was quite clear. So much more refined without any of the young grainy off notes...Notes I typically don't even notice when drinking wisers deluxe on it's own. It is extremely light for an 18 year old whisky, with no finish, but that kinda works here...If you come in expecting an 18 year old scotch or a well aged bourbon you'll probably be very disappointed. This is just a smooth, mild but well refined and delicious corn whisky aged in presumably spent barrels.

This is lean, light, but shows some maturity too. Nice vanilla, caramel, and soft grain notes. The cream soda sweetness reminds me of younger refreshing bourbons. There’s subtle nuttiness and syrup flavors. I don’t regret what I paid at the bar but I wouldn’t throw down for a bottle.

Light, as you’d expect from a Canadian whisky, with pleasant flavors including caramel, cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla. It’s not bad, but it’s not worth the price.