Whisky: Mark Messier Limited Edition NHL Alumni Whisky Series

Producer: Pernod Ricard

Distillery: Hiram Walker

Whisky Type: Canadian Blend (Corn, rye, and malted barley)

Region: Windsor, Ontario

Age: 11-Year-old

ABV: 47%

Aged in Cask: Ex-bourbon and finished in ex-Speyside malt

Release: 2019-2020 Edition

Price Range: $

Mark Messier is a Canadian Blend and my final review from J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Whisky Series (click here for more info). Similar to Wendel Clark (check my review here) and Dave Keon (check my review here), the whisky aims to reflect the style of play of the Hall of Famer, labeled as Bold and Tenacious.

Mark Messier

Born: January 18, 1961

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Jersey #: 11

Shoots: Left

Position: Center

Draft: 1979 Edmonton, 3rd round, 7th pick (48th overall)

NHL Career:

Edmonton (1979-1991)

New York Rangers (1992-1997)

Vancouver Canucks (1997-2000)

New York Rangers (2000-2004)

Playing Style: Messier is considered one of the best hockey players of all time and a strong leader.

Awards: 

• Five Stanley Cups Championships with Edmonton and one with the New York Rangers. The only player to have captained two Stanley Cup championship teams.
• Four times First NHL All-Star Team.
• Played 16 times in NHL All-Star Games.
• Most Value Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs (1984)
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
• In 2017 Messier was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in NHL history.

Notes for Mark Messier Limited Edition Canadian Rye

Mark Messier is Canadian Blend bottled at 47% ABV (94 Proof) for his 1994 Stanley Cup Championship with the New York Rangers and aged in ex-Speyside malt casks for 11 years to honor his jersey number.

Nose: Another classic lovely bourbon nose with aromas of corn, vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. The nose is very gentle, which I much enjoy.

Palate: A sweet and creamy arrival. Apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and spicy oak notes with some restrained bitterness. A balanced blend. Love it!

Finish: The finish is medium with fruit and caramel.

Conclusion:  I enjoy this Canadian Blend. The fruit note is lovely, and the spicy note from the oak is not overpowering. There is a slightly bitter flavor at the end that enhances the overall experience.

Let’s compare the whiskies in honor of Wendel Clark, Dave Keon, and Mark Messier. Here is my take on these expressions as I taste them neat side by side:

• Wendel Clark is the most approachable of the three whiskies. The spicy notes from the rye and oak are very distinguishable and gentle. Wendel’s finish is the shortest of the three expressions, although very enjoyable and the most straightforward whisky of the three.
  • Score: 3.25/5⭐
• Dave Keon is the most complex of the three. A busy whisky with spicy aromas and spicy, bitter, and malty flavors that some whisky geeks will love. However, I would have preferred a more restrained bitterness on the finish.
  • Score: 3/5⭐
• Mark Messier’s lovely sweet nose and creamy-fruit flavors had me from the start. A whisky that balances the spicy and fruit notes very well. I love the spicy character of the oak and the rye, but in moderation.
  • Score: 3.75/5⭐

On a final note, I commend Hiram Walker for honoring players that contributed to the national sport while funding local hockey activities in Canada, including assisting retired NHL hockey players in need.

I would like to hear your thoughts about expressions from the Whisky Whisky Alumni Series. Cheers!

Check here for more info on Canadian whiskies.

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