JP Wiser’s 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak: World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky

Every year, whisky lovers and distilleries around the globe hold their breath as the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) drop their latest winners. It’s kind of like the Oscars of the whisky world, except with fewer tuxedos and more tasting glasses.

Since its launch in 2007, the WWA has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and credible whisky competitions out there. Run by the professionals behind Whisky Magazine, the WWA brings together expert judges from all corners of the industry – blenders, distillers, writers, and connoisseurs – to taste blind and pick the best of the best. So when a whisky walks away with one of their prestigious awards, it’s a serious nod to quality, craftsmanship, and flavor that whisky lovers can trust.

Winning a World Whiskies Award does more than just earn bragging rights (though those are pretty sweet). It can boost a distillery’s profile globally, open doors to new markets, and most importantly, guide whisky lovers straight to bottles worth hunting down. With thousands of whiskies released every year, having an expert stamp of approval makes choosing your next dram a whole lot easier.

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on JP Wiser’s, where their 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak has taken home the crown for the World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky. So let’s have a look and see what makes this Canadian whisky truly exceptional. 

World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky: JP Wiser’s 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak

JP Wiser’s is one of Canada’s oldest brands, with roots tracing back over 160 years. The JP Wiser’s distillery closed in 1932, and the recipes are long gone, but the name is owned by Corby Wine and Spirits, who use it on a number of releases. In this case, they are using it on a 27-year-old release finished in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels.

Mizunara oak is known for being notoriously tricky to work with – porous, delicate, aromatic, and expensive. However, it imparts rich, unique flavour notes you just can’t get from your usual American or European oak. It’s like giving your whisky a passport to Japan for a little flavor vacation.

With only a limited amount of this beauty released, each bottle is a collector’s item, with a price point to match.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich amber

Nose: Green apple, vanilla cake, cherry, chocolate, toffee, nutmeg

Palate: Plum, almond, sandalwood, fig, black tea, honey

Finish: Cinnamon stick

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 21 Years & Over

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

Serve: Sip neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water 

ABV: 62.1%

Size: 750ml

Price: $599.95 CAD

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold, Best in Class, World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky

More from Corby’s: Other 2026 World Whiskies Awards Medal Winners

In addition to the 27 Year Old Mizunara Oak, Corby’s had a number of other medal winners, all listed below.

Best in Class Winners

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Pike Creek Double Barreled (Rum Barrel Finish)

As the name suggest, this expression is aged first in oak barrels, and then finished in rum barrels to add a molasses sweetness. Additionally, it's aged in a non-climate-controlled warehouse, where Canada’s wild temperature swings cause the barrels to flex and breath, pushing the whisky deep into the wood, allowing it to develop deep and complex flavours of oak, toffee, and vanilla, but still maintain some classic rye spice.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Polished copper

Aromas: Golden raisins and brown sugar with subtle hints of dried orange peel, green apples, and vanilla

Flavour: Sweet honeycomb toffee, molasses and vanilla with lingering rye spice.

Finish: Warm and pleasant

Additional Details

Category: Blended

Style: 12 Years & Under

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: Pike Creek

ABV: 42% 

Size: 750ml

Price: $40.95 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold, Best in Class

World Whiskies Awards, 2025 – Gold, Best in Class

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2024 – Gold

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JP Wiser’s 10 Year Old

Aged in 3 barrel types – virgin white oak, American bourbon, and Canadian whisky casks for 10 years to create this rich complex whisky. It’s got that signature Canadian rye spice, complemented by hints of toasted oak, honey, and a little bit of nutty goodness. The finish has lingering green apples and dried-fruits, making it a great go-to for cocktails or when you just want a straightforward, tasty whisky without fuss.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich amber

Aromas: A complex combination of caramel, honeycomb toffee, vanilla, dried fruits, and rye spices with subtle undertones of green apple and pear drops

Flavour: Initial sensation of roasted rye spice, complemented by the softness of honeycomb toffee, vanilla, and caramel from oak wood casks

Finish: Lingering green apples, pear drops, dried fruits, and allspice

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 12 Years & Under

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s 

ABV: 40% 

Size: 750ml

Price: $34.95 CAD

Serve: Great in a classic cocktail

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold, Best in Class

World Whisky Awards, 2025 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2025 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2024 – Gold

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JP Wiser’s Deluxe

This is JP Wiser’s signature Canadian whisky that introduces you to its lineup. Balanced and approachable, with classic caramel and vanilla mingling with mellow oak and a touch of spice. It’s got a creamy texture and a finish that’s soft but leaves a sweet, lingering warmth. Ideal for both whisky newbies and seasoned sippers.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich amber

Aromas: Full, rich fragrance of dried fruits, caramel, and lush spring meadows

Flavour: An exceptional blend of oak, toasted grains, and rich toffee

Finish: Full with a warm smooth finish

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: No Age Statement

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 40% 

Size: 750ml, 1140ml, 1750ml

Price: $32.95, $47.95, $70.95 CAD

Serve: On the rocks or in a bold classic cocktail

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold, Best in Class

San Francisco Spirit Awards, 2025 – Gold

World Whisky Awards, 2025 – Silver

Gold Medal Winners

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JP Wiser’s 42 Year Old

This was the first release in the Decades series. Distilled in 1982, this is a refined pour, having been meticulously tended for more than 40 years to create this multi-award winning sipper. Last year this whisky was the Best in Class, Gold medal winner of the Best Canadian Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Dark gold

Aromas: Rich vanilla, toasted oak, green apple, baked rye

Flavour: Caramel, English toffee, dried apricot, nutmeg, white pepper

Finish: Rye spice

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 21 Years & Over

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 52%

Size: 750ml

Price: $470.25 CAD

Serve: Best sipped neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold

World Whiskies Awards, 2025 – Gold, Best in Class

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2025 – Gold

International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), 2024 – Silver (90 Points)

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Lot No. 40 Dark Oak

Rich and robust, this is a bold, 100% rye, distilled in traditional copper pot stills before being aged in new American oak, then finished in #4 level char oak barrels. It showcases deep rye spice with dried fruit, and oak. The “dark oak” influence gives it a bold, robust flavour, perfect for those who like their whisky neat, or in their favourite classic cocktail.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Roasted pecan

Aromas: Tree fruit, pear, apple, sourdough rye, honey, vanilla, oak

Flavour: Heavy rye spices, white pepper, clove, walnuts, toasted sugar and charred wood

Finish: Warm honey

Additional Details

Category: Rye

Style: No Age Statement

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: Lot No. 40

ABV: 48%

Size: 750ml

Price: $64.25 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or in a bold classic cocktail

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2026 – Gold

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2024 – Silver

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Lot No. 40 100% Pot Still Rye

This is rye whisky in its purest form, and it doesn’t hold back. Distilled in copper pot stills before aging in new white oak barrels. Punchy rye spice hits first, followed by layers of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak. It’s full-bodied and bold, with a finish that’s spicy, long, and satisfying. Definitely a must-try for rye lovers.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep amber

Aromas: Sour rye bread complements ripe Bartlett pears, warmed honey, rich vanilla, and slight floral notes

Flavour: Heavy rye spices and white pepper unite with roasted walnuts, English toffee, and subtle dark fruits

Finish: Warming

Additional Details

Category: Rye

Style: No Age Statement

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: Lot No. 40

ABV: 43%

Size: 750ml

Price: $42.45 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks or in an old fashioned cocktail

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Gold

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2024 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2023 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2021 – Silver

Silver Medal Winners

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JP Wiser’s 28 Year Old

This 28-year-old beauty is like a whisky time capsule – rich and deeply layered. Notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruits dance alongside warm oak and a hint of leather. The finish is long and velvety, with a subtle smokiness that invites you for just one more sip. Pure elegance in a glass.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Gold

Aromas: Green apple skin, crème brulee, pumpernickel, ripe peach, cocoa, leather

Flavour: Sultanas, cereal, crushed walnuts, French vanilla, toasted oak, shaved cinnamon, black pepper

Finish: Black tea

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 21 Years & Over

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 48%

Size: 750ml

Price: $328.30 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Silver

World Whiskies Awards, 2025 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2025 – Gold

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JP Wiser’s 24 Year Old

This 24-year-old beauty is like a whisky time capsule, matured in multiple casks over 24 years to develop a rich, deeply layered whisky. Notes of copper, green apple, and ripe cherry dance alongside warm vanilla and a hint of leather. The finish is long and velvety, with notes of burnt cinnamon. Pure elegance in a glass.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich amber

Aromas: Green apple, sweet almond, fruit, leather, smoke, baking spice

Flavour: Copper, green apple, ripe cherry, vanilla spice, baked rye bread, and soft leather

Finish: Burnt Cinnamon

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 21 Years & Over

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 50%

Size: 750ml

Price: $40.95 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2026 – Canadian Whisky of the Year

San Francisco Spirits Awards – Double Gold

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JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old

This well aged sipper is a fine example of what Canadian whisky can be. A deep amber colour leads you into an abundance of oak and floral notes followed by baked apples, spice, and a touch of caramel sweetness. There’s a nice balance of warmth and smoothness, perfect neat, or on the rocks. 

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep autumn amber

Aromas: Abundance of oak, autumn florals and hint of fresh pine and mature oak

Flavour: Mature oak with hints of baked apples, spice, and rich caramel

Finish: Enduring smooth finish

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 13 to 20 Years

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 40%

Size: 750ml

Price: $93.25 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Silver

World Whiskies Awards, 2025 – Silver

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2025 – Bronze

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2024 – Gold, Corn Whisky of the Year

World Whiskies Award, 2022 – Gold, Best in Class

IWSC, 2024 – Silver (90 Points)

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Lot No. 40 Rye Explorations No. 3: Cherry Wood Casks

A curious and fun twist on classic rye, this expression explores new flavour frontiers. This 100% rye is distilled in a traditional copper pot still, then aged in new white oak, before finishing in European cherry wood casks that add depth and notes of chocolate, cheery pits, and vanilla-almond cream for a different take on traditional rye. Adventurous but still grounded in tradition; it’s a great conversation starter.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Liquid gold

Aromas: Black forest cake, cherry pit, cocoa nibs, beeswax, vanilla cream, ginger

Flavour: Dried herbs, white pepper, cherry caramel, toasted oak, chocolate, cinnamon

Finish: Almond bitter

Additional Details

Category: Rye

Style: No Age Statement

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: Lot No. 40

ABV: 53.5%

Size: 750ml

Price: $100.25 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Silver

Bronze Medal Winners

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JP Wiser’s 15 Year Old

A slightly younger sibling to the 18 Year Old, this is one of JP Wiser’s best-selling expressions. A dark amber colour teases the rich, but nicely balanced aromas of caramel, toffee and spice, followed by more caramel, dried fruit, and toffee on the palate and a warm lingering finish.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Dark amber

Aromas: Nicely balanced with aromas of caramel, toffee and spices with a subtle hint of green apple

Flavour: Caramel, Dried Fruit, Toffee, Spice, Green Apple

Finish: Lingering warmth

Additional Details

Category: Canadian Blended

Style: 13 to 20 Years

Distillery: Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd.

Brand: JP Wiser’s

ABV: 40%

Size: 750ml

Price: $61.95 CAD

Serve: Neat, on the rocks, or with a few drops of water

Awards

World Whiskies Awards, 2026 – Bronze

World Whiskies Awards, 2025 – Gold, Best in Class

Canadian Whisky Awards, 2025 – Silver

IWSC – Silver (90 Points)

That’s a stellar squad of whiskies, each with its own personality and story. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, bold, or a little adventurous, JP Wiser’s has got you covered.