Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky

Forty Creek Canadian Whisky Barrel Select: The Quintessential Forty Creek Experience

Discover the whisky that laid the foundation for a legacy of innovation and excellence with Forty Creek Canadian Whisky Barrel Select. This award-winning expression from Forty Creek Distillery in Grimsby, Ontario, is a cornerstone of the brand's philosophy, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship and a unique blending approach can create a uniquely complex yet remarkably smooth Canadian whisky.

Forty Creek Barrel Select is not made from a single mash bill; instead, it's a testament to the "meritage" blending philosophy of Master Blender John Hall (and now Bill Ashburn). Individual grain whiskies—rye, barley, and corn—are each fermented, distilled in copper pot stills, and aged separately in a variety of oak barrels, including seasoned ex-Bourbon casks and new American White Oak. The rye is typically aged in lightly toasted barrels to preserve its fruitiness and spice, barley in medium-toasted barrels to bring out nuttiness and smoothness, and corn in heavily charred barrels for richness and to temper its aggressive spirit. After individual aging, these single-grain whiskies, typically aged for 6 to 10 years, are then meticulously blended to achieve the desired flavor profile. The blended whisky then undergoes a final maturation period of six months in used sherry casks, adding layers of fruit, sweetness, and depth. Bottled at a versatile 40% ABV (80 Proof), Forty Creek Barrel Select is celebrated for its approachable complexity and exceptional balance.

Key Characteristics:

• "Meritage" Blending: Individual grain whiskies (corn, rye, barley) are distilled, aged separately, and then blended before a final maturation.
• Copper Pot Still Distillation: A unique practice for Canadian whisky, which helps retain more flavor from the grains.
• Varied Oak Aging: Each grain is aged in different types and chars of oak barrels (ex-bourbon, new American white oak) to develop specific characteristics.
• Sherry Cask Finish: The final blend is matured in sherry casks for six months, imparting additional fruit, spice, and sweetness.
• Niagara Origin: Crafted in the heart of Ontario's Niagara region, benefiting from its unique climate.
• Smooth & Approachable (40% ABV / 80 Proof): Designed for broad appeal, perfect for sipping or mixing.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Warm gold to deep amber.
• Nose: Rich and inviting, with prominent notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. Hints of orange peel, apricot, and subtle rye spice are interwoven with toasted oak and black walnut. Some may detect notes of marmalade or dried berries.
• Palate: Smooth and well-rounded, delivering a harmonious blend of vanilla, honey, and cocoa. A gentle rye spice builds but then mellows, accompanied by notes of toffee, toasted oak, and a creamy mouthfeel from the corn. Subtle fruitiness (like plums or blackcurrants) and a hint of sherry influence add complexity.
• Finish: Medium to long length, smooth and sweet, with lingering notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and a pleasant warmth, often with a hint of spice or dried fruit.

Awards & Recognition:

Forty Creek Canadian Niagara Whisky Barrel Select has consistently received numerous accolades, solidifying its reputation as a benchmark Canadian whisky:

• 2024 Double Gold, 91 Points, Best Buy / TAG International Spirit Awards
• 2024 Gold Medal / Canadian Whisky Awards
• 2021 Double Gold Medal / San Francisco World Spirits Awards
• 2021 Gold Medal / Beverage Tasting Institute
• 2021 Best Whisky Value / Canadian Whisky Awards
• Has garnered multiple Gold and Silver medals in previous years at the Canadian Whisky Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Beverage Tasting Institute.
• Widely praised by consumers and critics as an excellent value and a versatile, flavorful Canadian whisky.

Overall Impression:

Forty Creek Canadian Niagara Whisky Barrel Select is a testament to the distillery's pioneering spirit and dedication to crafting exceptional Canadian whisky. Its unique "meritage" blending and sherry cask finishing create a harmonious and complex profile that is both traditionally Canadian and distinctively Forty Creek. Whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker seeking a reliable, flavorful dram, or new to Canadian whiskies and looking for an approachable yet rich experience, Barrel Select is an outstanding choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for your favorite cocktails.

Bottles 2 Gift
Updated: 09/20/2024

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