As I sip, I wonder how this recent batch of Wiser’s Red Letter would stand up to the original Red Letter liquid that John Phillip Wiser first produced in 1857. Following the same original recipe, I’d like to think that mid-nineteenth century Pre-Confederation Canadians would have enjoyed sensory pleasures similar to the ones found to be found within the modern reincarnation, thankfully reintroduced to the Canadian public back in 2007.

Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and then further mellowed in virgin white oak, Wiser’s Red Letter is a 15 year old (the youngest in the blend is 15 years) blended whisky that is non-chill filtered and bottled at 45% abv.

SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5): 

APPEARANCE: Clear. Dark caramel.

NOSE: Canned peach syrup and English sponge toffee present first, followed by vanilla and corn niblets. A hint of sweetgrass and dill are layered underneath more prominent powdery notes of caramel and cinnamon. 

PALATE: A rich, coating mouthfeel makes for an elegant sip. Medium sweetness. Cinnamon and butterscotch syrup (the ice cream topping kind) are vibrant on the front palate, with oak, light citrus, almond brittle and caraway accompanying.

FINISH: Medium-long, warming and pleasant. Butterscotch, toasted oak and gingerbread coat the back of the throat as a subtle flourish of rose emerges while rye spices continue to tingle the tongue and lips. 

ABV: 45% 

AGE: 15 Years

CASK(S): Ex-bourbon, Virgin white oak

ENJOY: Neat – or in a special cocktail

RATING:

At only 15 years old, Wiser’s Red Letter is a testament to how premium Canadian whiskies needn’t be super-duper aged to be wonderfully rich and complex as this particular release is.”

Conclusions

Thanks to Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at Hiram Walker & Sons, J.P. Wiser’s Red Letter is enjoyed once again by Canadians similar to how it was back in the 1800s. Back then, it was curated and shared with family and friends of J.P. Wiser, each year around Christmastime.

At only 15 years old, Wiser’s Red Letter is a testament to how premium Canadian whiskies needn’t be super-duper aged to be as wonderfully rich and complex as this particular release is.

Intermittently available at the Windsor, Ontario distillery and online to residents of Ontario only, this is a must have bottle for any serious enthusiast of Canadian whisky.

…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing

Pair J.P. Wiser’s Red Letter Canadian Whisky with the Punch Gran Puro cigar.

Why? Overlapping notes of cinnamon are so very prominent in both whisky and cigar. The added heat from the cigar ramps up the cinnamon to an 11, to create a cinnamon hearts-like effect in the Red Letter on the palate. The Punch Gran Puro is comprised of entirely Honduran tobaccos, and is a medium-to full bodied cigar that compliments this special Canadian whisky wonderfully.

See more Canadian Whisky reviews

– Kurt Bradley