J.P. Wiser's Legacy Canadian Whisky

Solid 4.0 for me. $49.95 in Ontario

And another surprise from Canada. I guess I shouldn't be shocked when Canadian whiskey doesn't all taste like standard Crown Royal, but to find this richness of flavor and depth of character in more than a few forces me to reconsider my general malaise for the style. Don't let this one sit in the glass too long or the nose will whither quite rapidly. On fresh pour though, it is awash in baking spices and sawdust, all blended well and playing nicely together. No stand-outs, nothing that needs to have the edges knocked down a bit, and while it's not overly complex, it is enticing. Palate is warm and mouth-coating from front to back. Rich sweetness reminiscent of fresh caramels, with just that hint of buttery oiliness, and then the baking spices come back. Mostly vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon, but a subtle thread of white pepper and ginger add a welcome touch of heat that keeps the dram interesting. Heading to the finish that heat grows just a little too much, and the first touch of dryness works hard to overpower the wonderfully fresh apple pie that somehow appeared from nowhere. Dryness fades on the start of the finish allowing a good bit of wood, leather and tobacco to pop in for a quick hello before it returns and leaves you with a very pleasant maple/vanilla tingle. I don't think it's a 94 nor is it my favorite of the rich Canadian blends, but this is a solid drink, and at a very reasonable price.

Very good as a Manhattan, $50 CDN.

Young and old at play here. Some oak notes that dreams of bourbon