Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve

Okay, I'll admit it. I appreciate Canadian whisky. Perhaps some background is needed. I visited Total Wine intending only to browse for anything interesting or new since the start of the year. The selection was largely unchanged, but I observed that the prices for my preferred Scotches had risen by approximately $10. Damn tariffs. Diageo products (Talisker, Lagavulin, etc.) saw a substantial price increase. How considerate of them to pass those costs on to consumers... Considering this, I'm shifting my attention to categories I've overlooked recently, specifically Canadian whisky. I believe it warrants another look. Here's why. Rumor has it (and YouTube confirms) that Canada reserves its best products for domestic consumption. I cannot find stores selling J.P. Wisers 23 Year Cask Strength or Lot 40 Cask Strength. Some establishments carry Forty Creek's limited editions, but these are infrequent and inconsistent, although some are highly regarded (like Unity or Victory), so I began my research. Davin DeKergommeaux, a writer for Whisky Advocate specializing in Canadian whisky, maintains an excellent website (canadianwhisky.org) featuring in-depth reviews of numerous Canadian whiskies. Another individual also has a fantastic YouTube channel called Whisky Neighbour, where they discuss many Canadian whiskies, and I've learned a great deal from their videos. I recommend checking out both resources if you have the opportunity and giving this category another chance. It's not all Crown and Club. Now, about this whisky. I own many fine bottles, particularly Scotch and Bourbon. I'm seeking something different this year. I recall a positive experience with the 40 Creek Copper Pot, my only complaint being a slightly harsh finish, which a bit of water slightly mitigated. Forty Creek offers higher-rated expressions than this one, but I was drawn to the concept of "Canadian terroir" in this particular bottle, as it's primarily aged in Canadian Oak barrels instead of American Oak. The theory is that the slower growth in Canada imparts stronger vanillin into the spirit. How often do you encounter this? Typically, oak is identified as either American or French. If this isn't representative of Canadian whisky, I'm unsure what is. On the nose, I detect a profile similar to the Copper Pot, but more refined, aged, and settled. There are notes of vanilla, butterscotch, drying barrel tannins, and an aroma I can only describe as the lumber section at Home Depot (I often see 'lumber' noted in Canadian whisky reviews, so perhaps my perception is accurate). It presents gently on the palate, with flavors of maple brown sugar, toffee, dark berries (I'm thinking blackberries and raspberries), progressing to a smokiness (note: not peatiness) on the back palate. This leads to a surprisingly long, sweet, and coating finish. It evokes a feeling akin to a Kentucky hug, but perhaps we should term it an Ontario hug instead. I enjoy this. I genuinely enjoy this. So much so that I anticipate most of my purchases this year will be from North America rather than Europe until this tariff issue is resolved. I have ample Scotch to last me some time, but this, this merits a second look. Cheers! P.S. - Remember my earlier statement about "no new bottles for 2020"? Well... I lasted 11 days. C'est la vie en whisky.

I've been a fan of Canadian whisky since I was legally allowed to drink. My initial northern spirit was Canadian Club 6 year (around 1980), and I've sampled many since. I've had multiple bottles of this specific whisky and generally appreciate Forty Creek, especially after finding a significant discount several years ago. I bought a case each of Barrel Select, Copper Pot, and the Confederation Oak currently under review. This is from the final bottle of that purchase. Confederation Oak presents a deep, clear burnt sienna color. When swirled, it leaves clinging legs with rapid tears that form thick trails. Visually, it suggests a rich mouthfeel. On the nose, there's vanilla, candy corn, sweet demerara syrup, and Squirrel Nut Zipper candy. A subtle nuttiness is present, specifically pecans rather than peanuts. The complexity is limited and won't sustain a lengthy tasting session. It smells pleasant, nothing more needs to be said. Tasting it confirms its mild, sweet character with virtually no bite. It's a relatively low 80 proof. I confess my recent preferences lean towards much higher proof spirits. However, this seems even milder than its stated proof. It's an easier drink than Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack, for instance (though their profiles differ considerably). The rye contributes hints of dill, mint, and cedar. The overall profile isn't bold, just a sweet, candy-like flavor explosion. A splash of water diminishes any trace of complexity from the aroma, leaving mainly vanilla and candy corn. Water makes this exceptionally smooth, ideal for dessert. I primarily enjoy this with a large ice cube, often alongside coffee or espresso. I've also used it to create a brandy alexander, substituting it for brandy. Additionally, I've made a very sweet, smoked old fashioned for guests new to whisky. This is a sweet, smooth, easy-drinking spirit with honey, vanilla, and candy notes, perfect for when you desire something uncomplicated. At the sub-$35 price I paid, it was a fantastic deal. However, at the $69.99 price I've seen it for in Florida liquor stores, I would not purchase it. I must deduct at least half a point for value. It's good, just not worth $70.

It's that time of year again, when the 'Best Whiskey of the Year' lists are released. I've noticed that these often feature aged Scotch and limited Bourbon, which most of us will likely never sample. Over the next five days, I'll share my top 5 whiskies of 2020. While 2020 wasn't our best year, spending more time at home led to increased enjoyment of our favorite brown spirit. My criteria for this list are: (1) The whiskey must be easily found on store shelves, with no special releases. This excludes excellent Wild Turkey Masters Keep expressions, though they are worth buying if seen. (2) Every dram on my list costs $80 or less, ensuring great whiskey is accessible. My definition of 'great' may differ from yours, but that's the enjoyment of this hobby. (3) I had to have tasted it in 2020. None of these whiskies were released this year, but 2020 is when I finally experienced them. My #5 pick was an early contender. I've openly expressed my fondness for Canadian whiskey, and there are many excellent options beyond the basic offerings, even at 40% ABV. This one checks all the right boxes. Finished in Canadian oak barrels (a unique claim!), this dram offers hints of maple, spice, butterscotch, and toffee. For $55 and 40% ABV, it delivers substantial flavor in a modern classic from the North. I've often lamented how Canada reserves its best spirits, but this one makes it to the US. Any whiskey enthusiast should try this before dismissing Canadian whiskey. The team at Forty Creek certainly knows their craft. Get a bottle and judge for yourself. Cheers!

Forty Creek has experienced considerable success over the past decade, with its growing popularity enabling expansion into premium bottle offerings. This Canadian whisky is smooth, with minimal burn (hardly noticeable) and a pleasant, not overpowering, oak character. It matures in bourbon barrels for four years, followed by two years in white oak barrels. For a six-year-old spirit at a price of $69.95 CND, this aging and cost is perhaps its only drawback. Despite the 40.5% ABV, the oak significantly elevates it, making it a 'buy once' experience, after which one might explore other options in their range. An unusual observation was how this product is utilized in reverse for the creation of another Forty Creek whisky, Double Barrel, which is priced $10 less. Your preference between enjoying the prominent oak or a bourbon finish might influence your choice between the two. Overall, Forty Creek produces some excellent spirits. For a rye, and if you're a collector, I'd recommend this as a single purchase if you prefer less sharpness and more pronounced flavors.

Reportedly the first whiskey aged in Canadian oak--the species is the same as US oak, but regional variations supposedly create distinctions (the wood is denser, less porous, higher in vanillans, purportedly). Good quality, but a little pricey, and desperately needs more proof. Flavors include toffee, butterscotch, strong vanilla, rye spice, cinnamon hearts, orange peel, rye bread, berries, tobacco. Tastes like freshly cut lumber, a nice mix of sweet and spicy. However, it's quite mild, and the flavors require significant effort to discern. Gets lost in cocktails, and frankly--though superior to its younger sibling, Forty Creek Copper Pot--it's not sufficiently better to justify the $30 price increase).

Complex and constantly changing best describes the aroma. Maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, raisin, figs, apricots, and black pepper are immediate. Leather notes and green apple become apparent upon further smelling. On the palate, the brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla are front and center, with the peppery notes filling and lingering in the back of the throat. The finish is long and lasting, which is unusual for an 80 proof spirit. This one causes salivation, triggering the need and desire for more sips. Another lovely offering from Forty Creek. This producer knows their craft and makes many excellent spirits. Nose 4.5/5; Taste 4/5 Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday Night Pour