Wiser's Small Batch
Classic Canadian whisky
0 378
Review by @Megawatt
- Nose18
- Taste20
- Finish18
- Balance22
- Overall78
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Small Batch is a mid-level whisky from Wisers, who are generally known to make pretty good stuff. The label states that it is aged in virgin oak, and that it is "double barreled", which probably means it was re-casked after blending.
On the nose there are soft aromas of butterscotch, pulled taffy, and quite a bit of oak. I scored the nose 18 because it is pleasant but not very deep; it doesn't beg for repeated nosing.
In the mouth the whisky is light- to medium-bodied, with a soft silky texture on the tongue. Caramel sweetness spreads across the tongue before the spices kick in as oak grips the mouth. I'll give it a 20 for the flavour because it is satisfying to drink and pretty well-balanced.
The finish is what I would call off-dry (whatever that means). It leaves you with a nice oak impression and just a hint of sweetness. A little on the short side, though. 18
Overall, Wiser's Small Batch is a good entry into the premium Canadian whisky category. It is a smooth, tasty whisky with a bit of extra kick over the standard Canadian product. Extra points for striking a balance between full flavour and smooth delivery. 22
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This one is also notable for being one of the few (though the number is growing) Canadian whiskies to be bottled over 40%. Hopefully the trend (with Lot 40, Alberta Premium Dark Horse, and others) will continue to the point where a cask strength Canadian whisky bottling comes out.
Glen Breton has with their 17 yo ice wine finished single malt, but to my knowledge, a Canadian style whiskey has yet to be issued at cask strength.