I was recently sent three of the 2019 – 20 Edition Alumni Whiskies to review on my website, J.P. Wiser’s Mark Messier, Dave Keon, and Yvan Cournoyer. This is part of the new Captain’s Line featuring these historic ice legends who each served as Captain of their respective NHL Hockey teams.
The subject of this review, J.P. Wiser’s Yvan Cournoyer Alumni Whisky is blended from 3 grains, and aged for 12 years. The twelve years of aging is of course an homage to Cournoyer’s Jersey Number. Additionally (according to the information sent to me) the spirit was inspired by Cournoyer’s game-winning pass to Paul Henderson in the Canada 1972 Summit Series. Cournoyer’s smooth pass and Henderson’s gritty goal is said to be reflected in the smooth 3-grain whisky which is complimented by gritty rye flavours.
Here is a link to my review:
Review: J.P. Wiser’s Yvan Cournoyer Alumni Whisky
Please enjoy the review and stay tuned for the upcoming review of the Dave Keon and Mark Messier Alumni whiskies.
Chimo!
J.P. Wiser’s Lanny McDonald Alumni Whisky is blended from 3 grains, predominantly corn but with a significant amount of wheat as well as barley. The higher than normal percentage of wheat is apparently an homage to Lanny McDonald’s prairie roots, and the three grains together are said to give the spirit a ‘well rounded’ character in keeping with Lanny’s well rounded play throughout his NHL career. The spirit has been aged 9 years (McDonald wore number 9 on his jersey). Apparently the corn and barley grain spirits were aged in ex-Canadian Whisky oak barrels and the wheat was aged in virgin oak.
A couple years ago J.P. Wiser’s and the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA) got together to bring whisky fans something uniquely Canadian. Regionally marketed whiskies which were blended with the aim of mimicking characteristics of each region’s favourite Hockey Players.
Golden Stag Rye Whisky is produced by the Sperling Silver Distillery in Regina Saskatchewan. The Distillery began as the Slow Food Brew Pub which produced 6 different varieties of beer, cider and wine. During the production process they found that there was unfiltered by-product left over after every fermentation. So, an application was placed with the Saskatchewan government to build a small micro Distillery so that they could recycle these left overs into distilled spirit. Upon receiving approval, the Sperling Silver Distillery was created.
Bearface Triple Oak Canadian Whisky is a product of Bearface Spirits (owned by Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits).