A Canadian whisky producer is inspired to recreate a special blend

To celebrate his thirtieth anniversary at Hiram Walker & Sons, Don Livermore has introduced a new premium label, the J.P. Wiser’s Master Blender series. This annual release is designed to showcase the expertise and innovation taking place at the historic Windsor distillery.

The first release is based on one of Livermore’s most celebrated one-offs: Dissertation, a whisky blended from the barrels used during his PhD research into the impact of wood on whisky at Heriot-Watt University. His thesis examined the relationship between barrel aging and whisky flavour. At the end of his studies, he blended those test barrels to create a limited-edition release.

Canadian whisky is good, actually

Dissertation won the World’s Best Blended Limited Release award at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards and received national recognition and critical acclaim. Livermore explains he is often asked if he will ever make Dissertation again.

He can’t. However, the Master Blender program allowed him to create a new variation.

“I don’t have those types of barrels anymore, but I do have the components,” he explains. The latest release has the same rye-to-corn ratio, dual-distillation method and barrel-aging process.

“What’s changed is the different types of barrels used for aging the whisky,” he says.

The new blend is based on new Black Sea casks, from forests on the coast of Russia. Livermore’s academic side emerges as he explains that this species of oak, Quercus petraea, is prized for the depth of flavour it adds to the blend.

“They are hard to get, but they produce excellent whiskey,” he says.

Those Black Sea oak barrels had never held any liquid before. New wood imparts a stronger flavour to whisky because it has a higher concentration of compounds, such as vanillin, tannins and lactones, which give the liquid more vanilla, spice and toasted notes. Livermore’s new blend also included heavily charred America oak (Quercus alba) barrels.

In contrast, most barrels used for aging or finishing whisky have been previously used to mature other whiskies or wines. The rest of Livermore’s new release was aged in barrels used to make Speyside single malt whisky and port wine.

The flavours of the finished whisky reflects the influence of a diverse range of barrel types that the veteran distiller has used throughout his career. “I think it tastes better than the original Dissertation. Maybe I’ve learned a thing or two along the way…”

J.P. Wiser’s Master Blender Series Canadian Whisky is limited to 1,500 bottles, available exclusively at the distillery or online, jpwisers.com

Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10 Year Old Whisky (Canada), $74.95

Rating: 91

The top-scoring Canadian rye at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, the sixth batch of Alberta Premium Cask Strength release follows the traditional recipe based on prairie-grown rye and aged for 10 years in charred oak casks. The latest release comes at a higher proof (67 per cent alcohol compared to 64 per cent previously), and displays a satisfying mix of caramel, citrus, cinnamon, pepper and coffee aromas and flavours. This is a rich and complex spirit with a warm, lingering finish due to the alcohol content. This has 67 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $49.99 in British Columbia ($49.99 until June 27), various prices in Alberta, $66.49 in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, $86.97 in Newfoundland.

J.P. Wiser’s Master Blender Series Canadian Whisky (Canada), $89.95

Rating: 92

Wiser’s latest premium release offers the complexity that comes from the blend of oak barrels used to create its flavour. This distinctive Canadian whisky features pleasing rye bread notes from the grains, which mingle with chocolate, orchard fruit and spice notes. Initially sweet, layers of spice and other oak-derived flavours emerge. It is best enjoyed neat or with an ice cube. This has 46.1 per cent ABV. Available at the above price direct, jpwisers.com