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J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Reviewed: Perfect for Easy Sips or Missed the Mark? – Whiskey Review

J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail: A Convenient Classic with Room for Improvement

Rating: 5/10 – BottleBrief Rating System

Introduction

J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail is a ready-to-serve version of the classic cocktail, offering a convenient option for those seeking the flavors of an Old Fashioned without the need for mixing. Crafted in Ontario, this pre-mixed drink combines quality Canadian whisky with orange essence and natural flavors, aiming to deliver the traditional notes of the iconic cocktail. While it provides a quick and easy solution for cocktail enthusiasts, it may not fully satisfy purists seeking the depth and complexity of a handcrafted Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned cocktail itself dates back to the early 19th century, with its name emerging in the 1880s to distinguish it from newer, more complex cocktails. Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding whiskey, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail seeks to capture these elements in a bottled form, making it accessible for those who prefer convenience without compromising too much on taste.

Eye

The appearance of J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail is inviting, with a rich amber hue that suggests depth and warmth. The liquid is clear, allowing light to pass through effortlessly, and it exhibits a slight viscosity when swirled in the glass. This viscosity is accompanied by slow-moving legs that cling to the sides of the glass, indicating a moderate alcohol content and a well-balanced blend of ingredients. The visual presentation sets the stage for an enjoyable drinking experience, though it may not be as striking as a freshly prepared cocktail.

Nose

Upon bringing the glass to the nose, the first impression is one of sweetness, with prominent notes of orange zest and caramel. These are complemented by subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, evoking the traditional spices associated with an Old Fashioned. The aroma is rounded out by a faint presence of honey and a touch of rye spice, adding complexity to the bouquet. While the nose is aromatic and inviting, it lacks the depth and intensity that one might expect from a handcrafted version of the cocktail, where the interplay of fresh ingredients can produce a more pronounced and layered scent profile.

Palate

The palate of J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail is smooth and approachable, with a sweetness that is immediately noticeable. The orange flavor is front and center, providing a bright and citrusy foundation. This is followed by layers of honeycomb, cinnamon, and cloves, which add warmth and spice to the profile. There is also a subtle undertone of rye bread and black licorice, contributing to the complexity of the flavor. The body is light, and the texture is silky, making it easy to sip. However, the sweetness can be a bit overwhelming for some, and the whisky flavor, while present, is somewhat subdued, lacking the boldness and depth that a traditional Old Fashioned offers.

Finish

The finish is warm and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of baking spices that fade gradually. The duration is relatively short, leaving behind a clean aftertaste without any harshness or bitterness. While the finish is pleasant, it doesn’t have the lasting impact or complexity that one might experience with a well-crafted Old Fashioned, where the interplay of flavors can leave a memorable impression long after the last sip.

Conclusion

J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail offers a convenient alternative to the traditional cocktail, delivering recognizable flavors of orange, honey, and spices. However, its sweetness and lack of depth may not appeal to those who appreciate the complexity of a handcrafted Old Fashioned. While it serves well as a quick and easy option, it falls short of the nuanced experience that comes from a properly mixed cocktail. The J.P. Wiser’s Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail is a decent option for those seeking convenience, but it lacks the depth and complexity of a traditional Old Fashioned. Its sweetness and light body may not satisfy purists, but it serves well as a quick and easy alternative.

Summary

Category: Ready-to-drink whisky cocktail
ABV: 35%
Eye: Amber, clear, viscous, slightly oily legs
Nose: Orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, honey, caramel, subtle rye spice
Taste: Sweet, orange, honeycomb, cinnamon, cloves, rye bread, black licorice, smooth, light body
Finish: Lingering baking spices, warm, slightly sweet, short duration

History and Fun Facts

J.P. Wiser’s is one of Canada’s oldest whisky brands, established in 1857. The Old Fashioned cocktail itself dates back to the early 19th century, with its name emerging in the 1880s to distinguish it from newer, more complex cocktails. Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding whiskey, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. In 2018, J.P. Wiser’s introduced its Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail, aiming to provide a ready-made version of this classic drink. The product combines Canadian whisky with orange essence and natural flavors, offering a convenient option for consumers seeking the taste of an Old Fashioned without the need for mixing.

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Château des Charmes 2021 Gamay Noir: A Missed Opportunity for a Canadian Classic – Wine Review

2021 Gamay Noir: A Light Red with Missed Potential

Rating 4/10 – BottleBrief Rating System

Introduction

Château des Charmes is one of Canada’s most well-regarded wineries, known for producing high-quality wines in Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula. Founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a fifth-generation French winemaker, the winery has been a pioneer in crafting wines that reflect Niagara’s cool-climate terroir. Among their offerings, Gamay Noir holds a special place, as the grape thrives in Ontario’s limestone-rich soils, producing wines with bright acidity and red fruit character.

The 2021 Gamay Noir, however, falls short of expectations. While Château des Charmes has a strong track record of delivering balanced and expressive Gamay, this vintage leans too far into acidity, overshadowing its fruit and complexity. The wine presents the classic characteristics of Gamay—tart red berries, light body, and a fresh, floral nose—but lacks depth and structure. Instead of offering the smooth, fruit-driven elegance found in great Niagara Gamay, this bottle feels sharp and unbalanced.

While this wine might still appeal to those who enjoy bright, high-acid reds, it doesn’t stand up to Château des Charmes’ usual standards. It may fare better slightly chilled or paired with food to soften its acidity, but on its own, it lacks the finesse and charm expected from this esteemed winery.

Eye

The wine pours a light ruby hue, with a slightly transparent quality that is typical for Gamay. A faint garnet tinge appears on the rim, suggesting some early evolution, though the wine overall still looks youthful. The clarity is good, and it catches the light beautifully, but it lacks the vibrancy seen in more expressive Gamay bottlings.

Swirling the glass reveals thin, fast-moving legs, indicating a relatively low alcohol content—consistent with Château des Charmes’ traditional approach to Gamay. While the color is appealing, it doesn’t immediately suggest a wine with great depth or richness.

Nose

The nose is fresh and fruit-forward, dominated by tart red berries, particularly cranberry, sour cherry, and red currant. There’s an underlying floral note of violets, which adds some elegance, but beyond that, the aroma profile remains somewhat simple. A subtle earthy undertone emerges with time, alongside faint hints of white pepper and dried herbs.

What’s missing is the ripeness and depth that could balance out the tartness. Some of the best Gamay Noir from Niagara offer a plush, juicy fruit core, but this vintage leans too heavily on its sharp acidity. While the aromatics are pleasant, they lack the richness that would elevate the wine to a more enjoyable experience.

Palate

On the palate, the acidity takes center stage, immediately giving the wine a sharp, mouthwatering sensation. Cranberry and underripe cherry flavors dominate, with a touch of raspberry, but the fruit feels a bit hollow. There’s a hint of minerality—a characteristic often found in Niagara Peninsula wines—but it doesn’t develop into anything particularly compelling.

The mid-palate is lacking in texture, making the wine feel a bit thin. Some Gamay wines benefit from a touch of carbonic maceration, which can enhance fruitiness and smooth out acidity, but this vintage doesn’t seem to have that balance. Instead, it comes across as lean and slightly green, with an herbal, almost underripe quality.

Finish

The finish is short and sharp, fading quickly except for the lingering bite of acidity. The sour cherry and cranberry notes persist momentarily before giving way to a slight astringency. Rather than leaving behind a velvety or juicy aftertaste, the wine ends on a dry, tart note that makes you reach for food to balance it out.

A great Gamay should finish with a soft, refreshing smoothness, but here, the acidity overwhelms the palate, making the wine feel more aggressive than elegant. While this could work in the right food pairing, it doesn’t offer enough on its own to make it a standout experience.

Conclusion

Château des Charmes is a respected name in Canadian winemaking, and they have produced some truly excellent Gamay in past vintages. Unfortunately, the 2021 Gamay Noir doesn’t quite live up to their reputation. While it delivers the expected light body and fresh red fruit character, it falls short in complexity and balance. The high acidity dominates, making it feel sharp rather than refreshing, and the fruit profile lacks depth.

For fans of Gamay, this might still be worth trying with the right food—perhaps a charcuterie board or a dish with some richness to soften the acidity—but on its own, it struggles to deliver an enjoyable experience. Compared to other Niagara Gamay wines, this one is a missed opportunity rather than a standout bottle.

Summary

Category: Red Wine, Gamay Noir
ABV: 12.5%
Eye: Light ruby, slightly transparent, garnet rim, thin legs.
Nose: Cranberry, sour cherry, red currant, violets, earthy undertones, hint of white pepper.
Taste: High acidity, light body, tart red fruit, slightly green, weak mid-palate.
Finish: Short, sharp, lingering sour cherry, astringent aftertaste.

History and Fun Facts

Château des Charmes is one of Ontario’s most well-known wineries, founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a French-born winemaker who saw the potential of the Niagara Peninsula for producing world-class wines. As one of the first wineries in the region to focus on estate-grown grapes, Château des Charmes helped shape Ontario’s wine industry into what it is today.

Gamay Noir has been a significant part of their portfolio, as the grape thrives in Niagara’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils. While Gamay is best known for its role in Beaujolais wines from France, it has found a niche in Canada, where producers like Château des Charmes have worked to showcase its potential.

Ontario Gamay is often compared to Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais, as it can deliver a mix of bright fruit, spice, and minerality. Some of the best examples undergo semi-carbonic maceration to soften acidity and enhance fruitiness. While Château des Charmes has previously excelled in crafting balanced and approachable Gamay, the 2021 vintage unfortunately misses the mark, making it an outlier rather than a true reflection of their capabilities.