If you’re looking for an American Whiskey version of Canadian Whisky, then look no further than the Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys. To create their concoction, Wonderland sources 100% corn whiskey, 100% wheat whiskey, and 100% rye whiskey and then blends them together in their proprietary blend. This is the same process blended Canadian Whiskies use.
The main difference between this and Canadian Whisky, aside from location, is the use of new charred oak. Canadian whiskies employ a lot of used cooperage in the aging of their spirits. This, however, is a blend of straight whiskeys so only new oak was used to comply with their relative laws… except for the corn. If it’s a traditional corn whiskey then used cooperage was used… otherwise, they blended a 100% corn bourbon. Which is possible, but not specifically called out.
Anyways, let’s get to drinkin’ and see what this blend is all about.
Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Region: MI, USA
Distiller: Undisclosed
Blender: Wonderland Distillery
Blend: Corn Whiskey + Wheat Whiskey + Rye Whiskey
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 4+ Years
ABV: 42%
Price: $45*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Med-light caramel
NOSE
Corn, copper, grape-nuts, crafty wood, toffee and a bit of citrus and some rye spice.
Not a super complex aroma, leans crafty at times, but it’s not horrible. It’s on the upper side of craft in its presentation.
PALATE
Corn, copper, crafty wood, grape-nuts, toffee and a bit of citrus and some rye spice.
A touch woodier and craftier, but the palate of the Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys is basically a carbon copy of the aroma.
FINISH
Medium -> Woody, corn, spice and a touch of fruit fades out evenly.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Ok balance, medium body, and a warm soft feel.
Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys – Overall Thoughts and Score
The initial sniff and sip was a bit nutty and spicy and held little else. As it opened, and on subsequent tastings, the craft nature became more and more present. That tannic, woody, cardboardy note slowly rose to a point of prominence, but not dominance, as it opened and remains there, towards the middle-top, as I’m writing this. I think it has great possibility, but I’m not loving where it’s at right now.
I appreciate what they’re trying to do, I like the direction they’re going and this is good start. In America, this is a unique direction to take and we’ll have to see if they continue this same style as their own stock matures. The Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys is an interesting sip, but that tannic-woody-craft note hangs a bit too heavy for me. However, I hope they keep refining this approach and their sourcing because it’s something different in the market.
SCORE: 2/5
*Disclosure: The sample for this whiskey review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review $45
Summary
It’s not terrible, it’s kind of interesting and easy to sip on, but it’s not anything exceptional and that crafty note is just present enough I can’t ignore it.
Overall
2- Nose (2)
- Palate (2)
- Finish (2)
- BBF (2)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)''''''''
