Whisky Connosr
Menu
Buy Whisky Online

J.P Wiser's Legacy

A rewarding rye

0 986

@MegawattReview by @Megawatt

22nd May 2011

0

J.P Wiser's Legacy
  • Nose
    21
  • Taste
    22
  • Finish
    20
  • Balance
    23
  • Overall
    86

Show rating data charts

Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Here is another whisky which took me half a bottle to properly appreciate. Legacy is a true Canadian rye, a blend of rye, rye malt and barley malt. The bottle declares it "pot still rye."

The whisky is a bit closed at first but time and especially ice bring it to life. On the nose I get sweet herbs: mint leaves and mild dill. After a minute it starts to burst with fruit, especially oranges.

It starts off a bit hot on the palate. The body is medium-thick but it still seems rather young, maybe 8-10 years. The flavour starts with sweet caramel and fruit notes before gripping the mouth with nice earthy flavours that you find in good Canadian whisky. There is also a fizzy taste reminiscent of ginger ale. All in all, quite nice. You won't mistake that it's a Canadian whisky yet it stands on its own.

The finish is slightly bitter and grainy, but in a good way. I don't get a lot of oak from it. There is also a bittersweet fruit note in the finish, perhaps orange peel.

Overall this is a good whisky which rewards patience and an open mind. It benefits tremendously from a lower price at the LCBO ($50 instead of $85), as it is a nice entry at this price point but might be a letdown at the higher price.

Find where to buy Wiser's whisky

Nose:

Body:

Palate:

Related Wiser's reviews

Read more J.P Wiser's Legacy reviews

9 comments

@michaelschout
michaelschout commented

I always find the finish quite spicy at the beginning.

13 years ago 0

@Megawatt
Megawatt commented

I should mention that on subsequent tastings, the herbal element was much more noticeable on the palate, as well as raisin flavour. Very nice.

13 years ago 0

T
Tristram commented

If you have enjoyed the Wiser's 18 yo, this certainly exhibits the same taste profile, but is definitely rougher around the edges. I am pleased to see the LCBO/Wisers have reduced the incredibly agressive initial pricing of Legacy to something more appropriate.

13 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

This offering certainly has character and is one of the few Canadians that are not the run off the mill 40% abv - if you want smooth, have a glass of water - this is whisky as it was meant to be. Indeed a successful tribute to J.P. Wiser.

13 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

@Tristram I too am pleased to see a substantial drop in the price of Legacy in Ontario stores.

13 years ago 0

@Megawatt
Megawatt commented

I think I like Legacy better than Wiser's 18, which is nice but somewhat syrupy and cloying. Haven't tried them head-to-head, mind you...

13 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

@Megawatt, I KNOW that I like Wiser's Legacy better than Wiser's 18, which is exactly as you say: "somewhat syrupy and cloying". As for the Legacy, I don't consider it good, I consider it great.

13 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

@Victor- that's a big Amen you hear from your northern neighbour. Megawatt has suggested this may be an 8-10 yo, I hope he is correct. What if there is more aging and soon to be available as a 12-15 yo? Incredible possibilities. I am currently on my third head-to-head trial, and at the price of these premium offerings I may have to cull out the older and simpler of the two. After six bottles the score is: Legacy 3, 18 yo not yet on the board. I do enjoy the 18, but for my taste, Legacy is indeed something unique and satisfying. Enjoy them both while they are available.

Cheers!

13 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

@Nelom, check the bottling code and avoid Legacy L16008, it is not true to form, anice is detectable on both the nose and palate...and Lot No.40 L16027 has a hint as well, it's a shame.

I suspect the malted rye component of Lot No.40 is responsible for this note in both whiskies. Hopefully the next iteration will follow the dusty, spicy profile that has clearly been established for Legacy. The 65% corn whisky base in Legacy accentuates the black licorice notes from the most recent iteration of Lot No. 40, a sub-component that accounts for 33% of Legacy.

8 years ago 0