The Hiram Walker Distillery started operations in June of 1858 in Windsor, Ontario. It is one of the most successful and biggest distilleries in North America, producing flavorful and smooth Canadian rye whisky and other spirits. Hiram Walker Distillery is renowned for its production of Canadian brands, including J.P. Wiser’s, Lot No.40, Pike Creek, and Gooderham & Worts Canadian whiskies.

Contrary to what most people think, one of the most lucrative periods of the distillery was not prohibition (1920-1933) but the American Civil War (1861-1865). Distilleries from the southern states cut off the supply of whisky to northern states, thus creating an opportunity for Hiram Walker (and other Canadian distilleries) to fulfill the demand from the U.S.

J.P. Wiser

John Philip Wiser was born on Oct 4, 1825, a few miles from Utica, New York, in the small town of Trenton. Wiser became the distillery manager of one of the biggest distillery in Prescott, Ontario, and five years later bought the business. Wiser’s focus was always on quality. He aged his whisky in new and re-charred barrels and had his coopers on-site, “Quality is something you just can’t rush” became his mantra that lives up until today.

In April of 1911, J.P. Wiser died. His family sold the distillery to Mortimer Davis, who also owned Corby Distilleries Ltd. Sales struggled under Davis’ ownership. In 1932, Harry Hatch, who already owned Hiram Walker Distillery, acquired a controlling stake (51%) in Corby’s parent company, Corby Distillery Ltd. That year the distillery in Prescott closed, and production of the Wiser brand moved to Corbyville, a town west of Prescott. In 1935, Corby merged with Hiram Walker.

In 1989, the Corbyville Distillery closed again, production of all Corby brands (including J.P. Wiser) moved again to Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario.

The Whiskies

J.P. Wisers Deluxe
This tasty young rye whisky is the flagship of the J.P. Wiser’s brand. Noticeable flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak, and of course rye. A good sipper and good entry point for new Canadian Whisky aficionados.

Lot 40
A delicious rye whisky distilled in a copper pot still. Sweet and spice deliver a great experience, making this whisky a great purchase and a benchmark for all ryes. See full review: Lot 40

J.P. Wisers 15 years
A 15-year-old rye whisky aged in new white oak casks, 1st fill ex-bourbon casks, and 1st fill ex-Canadian whisky casks. Flavors of caramel and baking spices provide a very smooth mouthfeel. Very enjoyable!

Pike Creek 10 years
Pike Creek is a 10-year-old rye whisky aged in white oak barrels then finished in rum casks. A rich brown sugar arrival provided by the rum finish meets the spice of the rye grain. Molasses and oak are also present. Creamy and enjoyable.

What I liked about the experience at J.P. Wiser

• The four whiskies from the core range of Hiram Walker are very enjoyable while delivering great flavor profiles.
• With the COVID restrictions and tours closed, the tasting that I attended included visuals of the distillery to give the audience perspective of the steps in the production process and the size of the distillery.

What I did not like about the experience at J.P. Wiser

Perhaps in the future, the distillery can create a VIP experience that includes limited releases.

Score: 3.75/5 ⭐

Legend

$50 or less $

$51-$100 $$

$101-$150 $$$

$151 or more $$$$