JP Sizer’s Deluxe Whisky

Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary on the 1st of July. I was fortunate to be in Canada during these celebrations, and it was wonderful to raise a glass (or 2) in celebration. One of the glasses we raised was filled with JP Wiser’s Deluxe blended Canadian Rye whisky. I spent quite a bit of time rummaging through Canadian liquor stores during our trip.

It was fascinating to see all the flavoured whiskies available. Flavoured whisky is not readily available in S.A. The occasional Jack Daniels Apple or Honey, but nothing as exotic as what I found in Canada.

There is a broad selection of flavoured vodka on the South African market, but very little flavoured whisky. The other noticeable thing was the different bottle sizes. You can find from a 375 ml to a 1.5L bottle readily available in the liquor stores.

The JP Wiser range had quite a few flavoured releases. There was a JP Wiser Apple, Vanilla and even a Hopped flavoured relese (at the end of the process the blended whisky is dry-hopped in the same fashion as India Pale Ale beers).

Another thing I had to get used to was the 40% ABV. I had to be very careful when adding water. We have to a bit more of a bite in S.A. with our 43% ABV, and it was remarkable the difference the little extra made. ABV on the flavoured whisky was typically around 35%.

On to the JP Wiser Deluxe blended Canadian whisky; in 1857, John Philip Wiser set out at a steady pace to build a distilling company. He began a long tradition of Canadian whisky making.

Produced from cereal grains, the dominant, base ingredient is typically corn, with rye, wheat and barley being used as blending agents to create a distinctive flavour. JP Wiser’s is Canada’s oldest continuously produced Canadian whisky. JP Wiser is produced in Windsor Ontario by Hiram Walker & Son’s which is owned by Pernod Picard.

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JP Wiser’s Deluxe Canadian Rye Whisky Review

The JP Wiser Deluxe Rye whisky is Wiser’s signature blend and has no age statement.

COUNTRY: Cananda

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Golden Amber

NOSE: Vanilla, toffee sweetness, hints of fruit and lemon. Not the most complex nose and the Rye spices that I was expecting did not make an appearance.

PALATE: Now the spices come through. Toasted oak and grain, toffee sweetness, hints of vanilla and fruit with heaps of rye spices. After the soft nose, I was not expecting all the rye spices, and it was a bit overwhelming. Water softens the rye notes and releases a bit more sweetness. Not the most complex of drams and certainly not as lovely as some of the other rye’s that I have tried. A few blunt edges.

FINISH: Medium length ending in notes of spice and lemon rind.

RATING: VERY GOOD

After trying the Crown Royal Rye and the Rittenhouse Rye, I was excited to try another Rye release. However, the balance in this JP Wiser’s Deluxe version was just not there. It is not a bad whisky and definitely in the affordable category, especially as we were shopping in South African Rands.

It will make a great mix for cocktails, and after this tasting, my bottle is empty. Definitely not too bad. I used this JP Wiser’s Deluxe whisky in some mulled wine that I made and it worked well.  I also tried the Forty Creek Barrel Select on my trip to Canada and captured the tasting notes about my experience.

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