Review: J.P. Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 (Torched Toffee)      77/100
a review by Chip Dykstra
Published March 21, 2015

A few years ago Wiser’s introduced Wiser’s Spiced Whisky (Vanilla) to the Canadian market. My understanding is that this new spiced whisky brand was very successful, and as a result, the company decided to further develop their spiced whisky portfolio. As part of this redevelopment, Wiser’s Spiced Whisky (Vanilla) was re-branded as JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 5 (Vanilla), and another flavoured/spiced whisky brand was introduced, JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 (Scorched Toffee).

I recently received bottles both new flavoured whiskies, and have decided to review each here on my website. This is the review for JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 (Torched Toffee).

In The Bottle 4/5

Pictured to the left is the new JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 (Torched Toffee) bottle. It carries the same rectangular shape as the previously reviewed JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 5 (Vanilla). In fact, this is the same bottle that JP Wiser’s uses for all of it’s economy brands, and that signals to me that this spiced whisky is not intended to be some sort of high-end premium spirit. It is instead intended as a soda mixer. The bottle presentation is just fine for an economy mixer, with labeling that is smart and attractive, but I have my usual concerns with the metallic screw cap.

Note: JP Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 is bottled at 43 % alcohol by volume.

In the Glass 8/10

The whisky has a nice copper/amber colour which is looks inviting. As is the case when I review most spiced and flavoured whiskies, I see a moderately thick sheen of oily whisky on the inside of my glass when it is swirled. These thickened legs drop slowly back down into the whisky.

The air above the glass is sweet with firm butterscotch and maple scents accompanied by a gentle spiciness. I suspect the sweeter notes of the whisky are to some extent masking the wood and rye spices in the base whisky. The spirit seems pleasant although not overly complex.

In the Mouth 46.5/60

Butterscotch, maple and vanilla led out as the Torched Toffee whisky certainly rides on the sweeter side of the palate. There is a bit of bitter treacle riding along which I guess must be the torched toffee. There is a bit of spicy heat as well which reminds me of ginger and cinnamon. Whether these flavours are part of the spices added to the whisky, or just a normal part of the flavour of the base whisky is hard to determine. I am  leaning towards added spice, bit I would not be surprised if I am wrong. The overall flavour is only mildly aggressive, and the Wiser’s Spiced Whisky No. 9 should work well in mixed cocktails (see below).

In the Throat  11/15

Despite the apparent sweetness of the spiced whisky, the finish is mildly astringent imparting a little burn in the throat. There is also a lingering metallic bitterness which is left in the mouth after the swallow which may be related to that treacle flavour I noted upon the palate.

The Afterburn  7.5/10

When mixed into cocktails the astringency and bitterness disappear, and if you prefer a mixed drink which rides on the sweeter side of the fence, this may be just perfect for you (or you can temper that sweetness with a little lemon sour as I have done below).

You may read some of my other reviews of  Liqueurs and Flavoured Spirits (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews.

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Suggested Recipe

Torched Toffee Lemon Sour

2 oz JP Wiser’s Torched Toffee No. 9
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
dash Fees Cocktail Bitters
3/8 oz sugar syrup
ice
lemon curl

Add ice to your favourite rocks glass
Add the spiced whisky, lemon juice and simple sugar
Add a couple drops of bitters
stir and garnish with a curl of lemon peel