Creative cask selection is not something new to the whisky world — whether Canadian, Scottish, Irish, or American, finishing whiskies in unconventional cask types is a known process that has led to some spectacular spirits, however with the launch of the J.P. Wiser’s 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak, Wiser’s has become the first Canadian whisky producer to finish a whisky in 100% Japanese oak casks. But what does this really mean? Well, if you’re a Japanese whisky aficionado, you’re familiar with the distinct and delicate-yet-complex profiles to come from across the Pacific Ocean, and putting this tool in the hands of the distiller’s talented Master Blender Dr. Don Livermore has yielded fantastic results.
To get more granular, Mizunara isn’t just any old oak either. This specific species requires 150 to 200 years of growth before it can be harvested, and unlike other oak species, Mizunara grows with twisting, multi-angled limbs, making it incredibly difficult to source pieces large enough to craft full casks. The majority of Mizunara cask whiskies in the market rely on the use inserts, but Wiser’s managed to get their hands on full Mizunara casks, which bring out a flavour complexity that few have experienced.
Canadian Spirit, Japanese Casks — J.P. Wiser’s Just Dropped a New Must-Have Whisky
Canadian Spirit, Japanese Casks — J.P. Wiser’s Just Dropped a New Must-Have Whisky
Canadian Spirit, Japanese Casks — J.P. Wiser’s Just Dropped a New Must-Have Whisky
Canadian Spirit, Japanese Casks — J.P. Wiser’s Just Dropped a New Must-Have Whisky
“We set out to create something truly extraordinary, and to see our whisky that was finished in Mizunara oak hold its own among the rarest spirits in the world is a proud moment not just for me as a blender, but for Canadian whisky as a whole,” said Livermore. “This isn’t just another release for us, it’s a collector’s piece and a celebration of what’s possible when you respect time, tradition, and a little risk-taking in the pursuit of something remarkable. It represents a rare intersection of heritage and craftsmanship that may never be replicated in exactly the same way again.”
But what does it taste like, you might be wondering. You can expect layers of plum, almond, fig, sandalwood, black tea, and honey on the palate, with a nose of cherry, plum, and dark chocolate. You’ll note that — broadly speaking — this is a slightly heavier profile than you’d expect from a traditional and purely Japanese whisky, but that’s exactly part of its charm. It’s east-meets-west; it’s clever, satisfying, and it deserves a spot in your whisky cabinet. With 1,000 bottles available at a list price of $599.95, we’d suggest moving fast.
Learn more about the J.P. Wiser’s 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak here.
