Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky Review

In 1971, Otto Rieder believed that Ontario’s climate was ideal for growing fruit and distilling Eau de Vie (water of life), as his family had done in Switzerland. With the help of investors, he opened the Kittling Ridge Distillery in 1972 in Grimsby, making both Eau de Vie and Alpenbitter.

 

Then, in 1992, John Hall, an experienced and respected Canadian winemaker, teamed up with Bill Ashburn, and the duo took the distillery in a different direction. Their goal was to change the way Canadian whisky was made and improve wherever possible. The distillery was rebranded as Forty Creek Distillery, utilizing the original distillery and expanding it.

 

In 2014, Forty Creek became part of the Campari Group, and one of the recent changes made includes adding “Niagara Whisky” to the label. Doing so helped differentiate it from other Canadian whiskies on the shelf, giving it a distinctive regional identity.

 

Forty Creek offers a variety of whiskies, including a botanical whisky, flavored whiskies, whisky creams, and its flagship whisky, Barrel Select, a blend of corn, rye, and barley whiskies finished in former Sherry casks. It carries no age statement; however, each component whisky is aged between 6 and 10 years before blending. Barrel Select is packaged at 40% ABV (80°) and is relatively easy to find. I purchased mine for $22.00 at a random liquor store for the purpose of writing this review.

 

Did I make a smart buying decision? The only way to answer that is to #DrinkCurious, so let’s get to it!

 

• Whiskey Type: Canadian Whisky
• Distiller: Forty Creek Distillery
• Age: NAS (aged between 6 and 10 years)
• Mashbill: Blend of corn, rye, and barley
• Cooperage: Corn component – heavily-charred white oak barrels; Rye component – lightly-charred white oak barrels; Barley component – medium-charred white oak barrels, then finished in former Sherry casks
• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80°)
• Price per 750mL: $21.99

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn Canadian whisky glass to explore Forty Creek neat. It had a deep caramel color (and it is important to note that E150a coloring is permitted under Canadian regulations). A thin rim produced cramped, medium tears.

 

Nose: After about 15 minutes, I began to investigate the aroma. I detected notes of caramel, vanilla frosting, rye spice, maple, and clover. Taking the air through my lips brought clover and allspice.  

 

Palate: Forty Creek’s mouthfeel was medium-bodied, and butterscotch dominated that first sip. With the second, I found an interesting combination of butterscotch and maple syrup on the front of my palate. The middle featured a selection of orchard fruits, including apricots, pears, and pink grapefruit. Dry oak, rye spice, and white pepper hit the back of my palate.   

 

Finish: Toffee, maple syrup, vanilla, allspice, and a slightly funky rye spice remained. It was level, yet left a dry, spicy peppery quality. The duration lasted 1:13, placing it squarely in medium territory.  

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I ran into plenty of unusual aspects with Forty Creek Barrel Select, and I guess that’s what Hall and Ashburn were after. It was unlike any Canadian whisky I’ve tried. I can easily understand its appeal; it is so different from bulk Canadian whiskies.

 

The mid-palate was the kicker. It wasn’t just a transition; it bridged a vast canyon of sweet on one bank and spice on the opposite. With the Canadian whisky glass, the aroma fully engaged with my palate, holding my attention like a steel trap.

 

Forty Creek Barrel Select is one that I wish weighed in at a higher proof simply to satisfy my curiosity. Yet, at 80°, it possessed plenty of character. For the price, itis hard to beat. This whisky earns my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.