J.P. Wiser's, one of the oldest and largest producers of Canadian whisky, is aiming to make an impact on the United States whiskey market. With a legacy spanning more than 165 years, the brand is introducing U.S. whiskey enthusiasts to the "The Decades Series," a collection that highlights the brand's commitment to heritage and innovation.
First in the series is the J.P. Wiser’s 42-Year-Old Whisky, the distiller's oldest age statement. The 42-year-old is available online and in select retailers across the country. Distilled in 1982, the spirit was put into barrels during a transformative period for Canadian Whisky as the industry was in a depression and founder J.P. Wiser was moving the distillery to Windsor, Ontario. Over time, the unique climate along the Detroit River influenced the spirit, resulting in distinctive flavor notes.
Canadian whisky, whilst not as popular as its American counterpart, is gaining increasing recognition for its unique characteristics, craftsmanship, and history. Unlike American whiskies, Canadian whiskies, like J.P. Wiser’s, focus on separate fermentation and distillation of each grain in the mashbill—creating greater control over the final release. This technique, combined with the influence of Canada’s diverse climate, results in a unique flavor, challenging perceptions and reshaping the narrative around Canadian whisky in the U.S. market.
Dr. Don Livermore, master blender at J.P. Wiser’s, commented: "This extraordinary whisky is a celebration of craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection. We are thrilled to introduce the J.P. Wiser's 42-Year-Old as the inaugural release of 'The Decades Series. Every aspect of this creation embodies the artistry and tradition that defines J.P. Wiser's."
J.P. Wiser’s 42-year-old Canadian Whisky ($350 MSRP) is bottled at 104 proof was matured in a combination of Speyside single malt casks, Canadian Oak barrels, and ex-bourbon barrels. The whisky's flavors are said to be shaped by the Canadian local climate, with the heating and cooling cycle causing oxygen to penetrate the barrels, resulting in a distinctive coloring.