Continuing with the cracking of unopened bottles, today we'll do a classic North American faceoff: Canada vs the US. Representing Canada: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 year rye Representing USA: Maker's Mark no. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Number 3: JP Wiser's 15 year brew Nose: Caramel popcorn, oak, rye spice. Interestingly the classic Wiser's orange peel is non existent here. Palate: A bit oily mouthfeel, fairly dry, cereals of all kinds and very oaky. Very well balanced between the sweetness and bitterness. Burnt sugar and toast. Finish: Warm and dry, with the rye kicking things into high gear. This one really makes you pause and think. It's subtle and develops slowly like a long winded old man telling a good story. So far this by far the best Canadian whisky I've tried, and it is a heck of a lot better than bottles of Scotch that I've paid at least double the price for. This one is going to be a mainstay in my cabinet for sure. Absolutely excellent but probably not quite enough to beat the damned Yanks unless the Woodford DO is a total bomb (not bloody likely). 4.25/5