I’ll start of by saying J.P. Wiser’s Dissertation is not for everyone. While there is so much to love about it, one has to really concentrate to enjoy the nuances it has to offer. If you don’t have time for that, move on to something with more instantaneous payoff. The nose is interesting to say the least. It’s woody, musty and a bit bitter, showcasing maple, bright ambers, burnt sugars with a touch of vanilla, displayed almost as a novelty. Take your time. These elements do not explode. They exists as minor details for the experience. Finding them is like picking up an old object in a room and exploring each crevice and dusty mark. They’re a testimony of a long past history. This dram has a medium mouthfeel with hearty warmth, staying for a good while. It’s dry, hitting on the top of the palate rather than concentrating on the tongue. The finish is smooth with a nice thickness to it. Similar to the nose, it’s unique, ending with leathery dry goods, old ropes and straps. If I had to sum all these things up in one word, I’d say J.P. Wiser’s Dissertation is “transportive.” It reminders me of a navigator thoughtfully mapping out a journey. I don’t always want this feeling in a whisky, as the experience can be quite intense. In certain circumstances however, that connectedness to an ideal, the past, a way of life I’ve never known, it’s all I want. (FWF Share #63 [3/8/2018])