J.P. Wiser's Alumni Series Yvan Cournoyer

This is a 3-grain blend aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks. On the nose it is mellow, sweet, and grainy. Very much a Wiser's whisky. It is traditional Canadian in style, but there is an additional layer of richness right away. Fresh oak and fragrant rye grain are evident, and maybe also the creamy sweetness of malt.

Smooth and mellow yet full-bodied on the tongue, with the mouthfeel of an aged corn whisky becoming a little spicy as it reaches the back of the mouth. Again there is a creamy sweetness at the centre which sets it apart from similar Canadian whiskies and makes me think of malt whisky. The finish is dry and medium-long with prominent oak flavours from the virgin casks.

This is a beautifully balanced whisky which is unapologetically Canadian in style, yet offers a bit of a twist on the typical profile. 80 proof feels perfect for this particular dram. This Alumni Series is proving to be more than just an NHL spin-off gimmick and reaffirms Wiser's position as the innovators of the major Canadian producers.

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