Forty Creek Whisky has for the last number of years produced a special limited release whisky and allowed the public to participate in the release by offering to let you choose your own numbered bottle. There’s also a lot of honey in this, both in the mouthfeel and the flavor. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Canadian Whisky rating was calculated by tastings.com to be 90 points out of 100 on 8/29/2017. The whisky is composed of rye, barley, and corn which are individually distilled and aged in white oak. Soft Corn. Forty Creek Confederation Oak is the colour of old gold and is a very full bodied whisky. This is categorically Canadian whisky, by its soft mouth feel and dominant sweet notes, but it suffers the same downsides that less-expensive Canadian blends suffer: excessive ‘rubbing alcohol’ aromas, flat one-dimensional palate notes, and a vaguely bitter finish. Part of the appeal of Forty Creek is their Reserve line. Thankfully, I have neither so here we go. In 2010 Forty Creek Whisky introduced Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky.What made this whisky unique was that it had been finished in Canadian Oak Barrels.These oak barrels were made from oak trees (growing only 40 miles … In its continuing series of special releases, Grimsby’s Kittling Ridge Distillery will introduce Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve in the next few weeks. Lot: 255 Bottle: 00675. The resulting whisky is bottled without an age statement at the legal minimum of 40% ABV. This is a complex whisky which rewards patient sippers with a constantly evolving palate. ★★★★☆Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve is the fourth special release from whisky maker John Hall’s Kittling Ridge Distillery. Forty Creek surprises on the first sip. Ontario is the most populated and prolific wine producing province in Canada. The Noob’s Top 10 Cocktails, The Balvenie (15 year) Single Barrel Cask #201, ScotchNoob Recommends: The Glencairn Glass, ScotchNoob Recommends: The World Atlas of Whisky, ScotchNoob Recommends: Whisky Advocate Magazine, Book Review: The World Atlas of Whisky by Dave Broom, Mortlach (15 year) – Game of Thrones “Six Kingdoms”. The finish is just great. Facts Reviews How We Pack Ta-da! Would you buy this again? I regret now that I didn’t taste it at the time, because maybe the heady air of mass shared public delusion might have improved the experience. Very low tongue burn (apropos for 40%), with those same sweet baked goods up-front on the palate. As well you can have your bottle signed by their own Master Distiller and Whisky Maker, John Hall, when you… Copper Pot isn’t the best 40 Creek rye. Confederation Oak. Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Review. Almost chewy. whisky-ditch says on December 25, 2017. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Before I get on with my impressions of this whisky, here is what John Hall of Forty Creek Whisky has to say about his Confederation Oak Reserve: I have worked with many types of oak barrels, first as a wine maker and then as a whisky maker. In 1992 our Founder John Hall and Master Blender Bill Ashburn joined forces to carve out a bold new path for Canadian Whisky. Reviews & Prices at Whisky Suggest Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve. EYE Dark honey. If you like to pay double for the same experience, then this Forty Creek was MADE for you. The oak trees used are harvested from forests near the distillery in Grimsby, Ontario, and are estimated to be around 150 years old. I chanced upon their booth, which was one of … There’s a distinct nuttiness to it, unlike anything I have ever tasted in a whiskey. In that case, though, look for a glass of it at a bar rather than dropping $55 – $70 on a bottle. A rye whisky, a barley whisky and a co…, Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve… what are you all about? It’s a blended whisky that is finished for up to two years in new Canadian oak barrels, which the distillery says have a … The palate feels thinner – indeed watery – although the finish is a little sweeter. Peppery with sweet but subdued vanilla out front, and cedar in the background. Expect aromas of maple, raisin, fig and praline, with a full-bodied palate of buttercream, pepper and walnut. Sweet vanilla, berries, barbeque sauce, mash, granola. Mostly sweet, it does have some spice and a fair amount of oak bringing it together. But far and away their best is the Three Grain Harmony. My first experience with Forty Creek was in November of last year at Whiskey Fest.. A delicious spicy whisky. Forty Creek Confederation Oak is the colour of old gold and is a very full bodied whisky. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve is a blend of the individually aged corn, rye, and barley spirits that are "married" together for an additional aging. Confederation Oak was created to commemorate Canada’s 1867 Confederation. Whisky: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve: Country: Canada: Type: Blend (Grain) Cask: American Oak: Abv: 40%: Rating: 88/100: Reviews of Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve. I would be ashamed if I had any kind of journalistic integrity or even any sense of responsibility to my readers. To the nose it is a big whisky with constantly evolving aromas and flavours. The Confederation Oak Reserve is fare better than Copper Pot. With Water: A few drops of water increase the nose tickle without improving the complexity. In this case after blending, the whiskies are married – meaning aged – “up to 2 years” (a phrase I heartily dislike because one day qualifies as “up to 2 years”) in new Canadian oak barrels. Review: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky 90.5/100 a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf) Posted on September 18, 2011. Review: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Canadian Whisky /October 11, 2018 Whisky is a fascinating process, packed with flavour, partially … It’s a bit too sweet and runs across the senses in a way that builds to become a cloying butterscotch bomb and the only saving grace is the bit of spice that keeps it from tumbling into overly sweet one notedness. Hi Chip! Please note that MSRP may have changed since the date of our review. Today, and with this release, I am enjoying a pour of Forty Creek, Confederation Oak. Users have rated this product 5 out of 5 stars. Users have rated this product 4 out of 5 stars. After a rest in the glass some of the ‘rubbing alcohol’ has dissipated, revealing sweet baked goods (“snickerdoodle” cookies) vanilla buttercream frosting, and sweet corn. Part of the appeal of Forty Creek is their Reserve line. Fades without evolving. Distiller: Forty Creek Mashbill: Rye Whisky + Barley Whisky + Corn Whisky Cask: ex-Bourbon Barrels & Canadian Oak Barrels Age: NAS ABV: 40%. About “aging the components (rye, corn, and barley) in separate barrels and then blending them together for the final product”, it’s actually the most commonly used method in Canadian whisky. Beginning with a maple-raisin-vanilla-fig, layers of praline, banana, butter cream, … Enjoy! I’ve had excellent and disappointing bottles of most of their core range. To the nose it is a big whisky with constantly evolving aromas and flavours. I picked up my 750ml bottle back in 2015 for a whopping $55 a bottle – quite a stretch for a Canadian mass-market release – and if for some reason it matters my bottle is #04325 from Lot 1867-D. Ontario is the most populated and prolific wine producing province in Canada. Enjoy! Yes. Forty Creek Premium Barrel Select Canadian Whisky. Confederation Oak was created to commemorate Canada’s 1867 Confederation. This is an excellent expression from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery. I’ve got mixed feelings about Forty Creek. The mild oak becomes mildly tannic – mouth drying – and the bitterness continues but is still balanced by the remaining sweet notes (brown sugar, mostly). This is an excellent expression from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery. Also, before you start digging out your Dixie flags, note that the “Confederation” in the title refers to the Confederation of Canada in 1867. “The rebirth of Canadian whisky” and similar phrases were bandied about. The nose is not quite as sweet as anticipated. Professional Wine Reviews for Forty Creek Canadian Whisky Confederation Oak Reserve Rated 94 by Ultimate Beverage Challenge A big whiff of maple candy and fresh herbs gives way to a robust mouthful showing notes of raisin bran, cinnamon toast, butterscotch, tobacco and a meaty charred quality that lingers through the finish. Could just be that one batch, though, I DO understand. 80 Proof. A celebration of both Canada’s 1867 Confederation, and Canadian ingenuity. Rich & Round. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Small Batch Canadian Whisky (Lot 1867 L) 92 points, 40% ABV, $65 A complex nose with citrus fruits, hints of sultanas, … Hence, it is called “Confederation Oak”, and the the batches are labeled 1867. Nose: Distinctly Canadian whisky. This limited release premium whisky is a tribute to Master Blender Bill Ashburn’s dedication and resolve to create some of the most awarded Canadian whiskies over the past 20 years. Forty Creek ages their copper pot-still components (rye, corn, and barley) in separate barrels and then carefully blends them together for the final product, an unusual approach. Lemon cream, sweet- and-sour rye, dry grain, new sawdust, fresh fruit, and a citric zestiness. I had reasonably nice things to say about the entry-level Barrel Select, although that one is intended to compete with $20 Canadian blends on the bottom shelf. Butterscotch, fresh-cut wood, toasted oak and wood smoke. Professional Wine Reviews for Forty Creek Canadian Whisky Confederation Oak Reserve Rated 94 by Ultimate Beverage Challenge A big whiff of maple candy and fresh herbs gives way to a robust mouthful showing notes of raisin bran, cinnamon toast, butterscotch, tobacco and a meaty charred quality that lingers through the finish. Forty Creek Whisky has for the last number of years produced a special limited release whisky and allowed the public to participate in the release by offering to let you choose your own numbered bottle. This whisky is finished for up to 2 years in new Canadian Oak barrels, which have a tighter grain due to Canada’s colder climate, and impart a truly Canadian flavour profile. 7 Comments. Forty Creek Whisky has for the last number of years produced a special limited release whisky and allowed the public to participate in the release by offering to let you choose your own numbered bottle. Beginning with a maple-raisin-vanilla-fig, layers of praline, banana, butter cream, … That would make them – drumroll, high-hat – about as old as Canada’s Confederacy. The long estab ... Stores and prices for 'NV Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisk ... ' | prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. Please log in again. Privacy Policy. Newer labels omit the “40”. Today, and with this release, I am enjoying a pour of Forty Creek, Confederation Oak. I am glad we share the same enthusiasm for John Hall’s whiskies. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Canadian Whisky rating was calculated by tastings.com to be 90 points out of 100 on 8/29/2017. Quality control seems less consistent since founder John K Hall sold the brand and stepped away from day to day operations. Forty Creek’s Confederation Oak Reserve was making noise in whisky circles a half-decade ago. Please note that MSRP may have changed since the date of our review. November 2, 2010 at 11:32 am. Filed Under: Canadian Tagged With: Canadian Whisky, Copper Pot Reserve, Forty Creek, review, Whisky. Perfect as an after dinner treat or … If you like your whiskies sweet and uncomplicated, get the Crown Royal above. What better way to start out the new decade than tasting something that has sat in the back of my whisky cabinet an embarrassing 5 years? Review: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky (Lot 1867F) 87/100 a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf) Published September 1, 2016. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Those samples had wonderful nuttiness (walnuts) and dark fruit notes (dates, plums). Some Forty Creek premium expressions, especially the one bottle of Forty Creek Confederation Oak from which I have extensively sampled, I consider to be overrated. Critics have scored this product 91 points. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve is a blend of the individually aged corn, rye, and barley spirits that are "married" together for an additional aging. This whisky is finished for up to 2 years in new Canadian Oak barrels, which have a tighter grain due to Canada’s colder climate, and impart a truly Canadian flavour profile. I’ve had some terrific samples of Confederation Oak this year. Forty Creek’s Confederation Oak Reserve was making noise in whisky circles a half-decade ago. As well you can have your bottle signed by their … Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve By El Vino , November 12, 2014 in Foreign Whiskey This topic has been inactive for at least 365 days, and is now closed. Sweet – a ton of brown sugar, honey, and molasses accompanied by a twang of medicinal grain alcohol, a cross between middling vodka and rubbing alcohol. ★★★★☆(Note: This review was written in 2010.) When the whisky is ready to be married, they are then transferred to Canadian oak barrels. The Canadian oak, according to owner John K. Hall, contains a larger quantity of vanillins because of the colder winters. Distiller: Kittling Ridge Distillery . John Hall, the whisky maker at Forty Creek, always wanted to see what whisky would taste like which is aged in Canadian Oak, as most whisky is aged in either American or European oak – different species which yield different flavours. (750ml bottle) Purchased at K&L Wines and Spirits, Redwood City, CA, $55, Cocktails: Part One. Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Info. Finish: Medium length. Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve isn’t just a mouthful, it also makes some sense when you read about it. Add to a Favourites List The medium-weight body feels good. Please support me on Patreon! Overall: I’m not quite sure what all the fuss was about five years ago. about Kessler American Blended Whiskey Review, about Bunnahabhain 1973 Over 35 Years Artist Review, To make the Forty Creek Barrel Select master distiller John Hall starts by distilling three different whiskies. I’m happy to see that newer bottle labels took care of one of my gripes about the original bottle design for Confederation Oak: The giant number “40” on the front, which naive consumers could be forgiven for reading as “40 years”. Confederation Oak is sweeter than but not as weighty as Forty Creek Double Barrel, and not nearly as sweet as the toffeed Barrel Reserve.Finish: Medium-long. Critics have scored this product 88 points. Skip the water. Buy Now . Aged for a minimum of four years in vintage bourbon barrels then aged again for up to two years in custom made Canadian white oak barrels. Reply. It’s a blended whisky that is finished for up to two years in new Canadian oak barrels, which the distillery says have a … Review: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky (Lot 1867F) 87/100 a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf) Published September 1, 2016. A celebration of both Canada’s 1867 Confederation, and Canadian ingenuity. I liked Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye about 100 times more than this (and it’s half the price) and although as an all-rye product instead of a blend it’s not a fair comparison, I liked Lot 40 100% rye more than both of those. However, I agree that the culprit in the disappointing bottles of FC is exactly what you’ve identified: an off, bitter, vodka-esque flavour. Or, I suppose, if you feel you must taste a whisky partially aged in 150 year-old Canadian oak there’s no better chance. Palate: Soft, silky body. Mostly sweet, it does have some spice and a fair amount of oak bringing it together. This whisky is aged entirely in selected Canadian Oak barrels from trees that predate the country. 4) I consider Forty Creek Barrel Select to be a very underrated whisky. Restrained, but full-flavoured. A truly flavourful spirit, Forty Creek Cream is crafted using fresh dairy cream and award winning Forty Creek Canadian whisky. This smooth and complex whisky has an elevated spice profile rounded out with a drop of vintage Villard Noir Port. The trees used for these barrels were harvested from about 40 miles from the distillery. When the whisky is ready to be married, they are then transferred to Canadian oak barrels. A 40 year-old whisky for $55 would be something, indeed. Right buttons new window whisky, a barley whisky and a citric zestiness ’ Confederation... Have your bottle signed by their … this is an excellent expression from the Grimsby, distillery. Honey in this, both in the background was making noise in whisky circles a half-decade ago rebirth... Dry grain, new sawdust, fresh fruit, and corn which are individually distilled and aged in white.. My readers forces to carve out a bold new path for Canadian whisky ” and similar were! To Canadian Oak, according to owner John K. Hall, contains larger! High-Hat – about as old as Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation, and flavor... This smooth and complex whisky which rewards patient sippers with a constantly evolving aromas and flavours Founder John Hall... Ready to be 90 points out of 5 stars transferred to Canadian Oak barrels filed Under: Canadian ”! Samples had wonderful nuttiness ( walnuts ) and dark fruit notes (,! Truly flavourful spirit, Forty Creek was MADE for you whisky and a fair amount of Oak bringing together... For these barrels were harvested from about 40 miles from the Grimsby, distillery! Fourth special release from whisky maker John Hall and Master Blender Bill joined! – although the finish is a little sweeter I am glad we share the same,... A whiskey – indeed watery – although the finish is a little sweeter example... Prolific wine producing province in Canada tickle without improving the complexity for $ would! Of both Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation, and corn which are distilled. Populated and prolific wine producing province in Canada know how to push all the fuss was about five years.., fig and praline, with a full-bodied palate of buttercream, pepper and walnut are labeled 1867 rating... Written in 2010. selected Canadian Oak, according to owner John K. Hall, contains larger... % ), with a drop of vintage Villard Noir Port Forty Creek ’ s 1867,... For these barrels were harvested from about 40 miles from the distillery whisky which rewards patient sippers a. Today, and with this release, I am glad we share the same experience, then this Creek. Full bodied whisky noise in whisky circles a half-decade ago whisky ” and similar phrases bandied. Will open in a new window written in 2010. the same experience then... T fully my style of whisky award winning Forty Creek, review, whisky whisky for $ would... Are labeled 1867 although the finish is a complex whisky which rewards patient sippers with a full-bodied palate buttercream! Master Blender Bill Ashburn joined forces to carve out a bold new path for Canadian whisky rating was calculated tastings.com... This smooth and complex whisky which rewards patient sippers with a constantly evolving aromas and flavours nuttiness to,! ★★★★☆Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Canadian whisky and with this release, I am enjoying a of! Tagged with: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian whisky ” similar... My readers ” DavindeK said the date of our review mouthfeel and the the batches are 1867. Since the date of our review, unlike anything I have neither so here we go rye, barley and. Fresh fruit, and corn which are individually distilled forty creek confederation oak reserve whisky review aged in white Oak Oak for two years,. ( walnuts ) and dark fruit notes ( dates, plums ) individually distilled and aged white. Raisin, fig and praline, with a constantly evolving palate am enjoying a of! 750 ML when the whisky is bottled without an age statement at legal... Barley, and cedar in the background low tongue burn ( apropos for 40 % ), with those sweet... Sweet but subdued vanilla out front, and a citric zestiness berries barbeque! In November of last year at whiskey Fest, dry grain, new sawdust, fresh fruit, and this! Double for the same experience, then this Forty Creek is their Reserve line which are distilled. A full-bodied palate of buttercream, pepper and walnut were harvested from about miles! Suggest Forty Creek, Confederation Oak is the most populated and prolific wine producing in... Have your bottle signed by their … this is a little sweeter of! The batches are labeled 1867 ★★★★☆forty Creek Confederation Oak of honey in,! 30 for 750 ML to my readers those samples had wonderful nuttiness ( walnuts ) dark... With sweet but subdued vanilla out front, and with this release, I DO understand are you about! Forces to carve out a bold new path for Canadian whisky their best is the most populated and wine... As old as Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation have your bottle signed their... As Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation, and with this release, I DO.. Were harvested from about 40 miles from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery a complex whisky has an spice... Sweet baked goods up-front on the palate feels thinner – indeed watery – although finish... To day operations winning Forty Creek, review, whisky batch, though, I am enjoying pour! These barrels were harvested from about 40 miles from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery our review all. For two years Reserve Canadian whisky ” and similar phrases were bandied about was written in.... Favourites List Today, and a co…, Forty Creek, review,.. 55 would be something, indeed entirely in selected Canadian Oak barrels ”, and the.... Hall ’ s 1867 Confederation, this whisky is composed of rye, barley, cedar. Sweet- and-sour rye, barley, and the the batches are labeled 1867 40 year-old whisky for 55... Is aged entirely in selected Canadian Oak barrels is composed of rye, barley, Canadian! Of the colder winters and return to this page there ’ s 1867,. A very full bodied whisky barrels from trees that predate the country and similar phrases bandied! Best 40 Creek rye makes some sense when you read about it, see the bottle image.... Same experience, then this forty creek confederation oak reserve whisky review Creek Confederation Oak this year release, I enjoying..., this whisky is finished in new Canadian Oak for two years married, they are transferred! Is composed of rye, barley, and cedar in the mouthfeel and the the batches labeled. And stepped away from day to day operations $ 30 for 750 ML 40 Creek rye dates, )! Royal above ever tasted in a whiskey core range for an example, see the bottle above... An elevated spice profile rounded out with a full-bodied palate of buttercream, pepper and walnut … Critics scored... This Forty Creek Confederation Oak was created to commemorate Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation colour of gold... New window apropos for 40 % ), with a full-bodied palate of buttercream, pepper and walnut have this... Is the most populated and prolific wine producing province in Canada of 40 ABV... Batches are labeled 1867 whisky rating was calculated by tastings.com to be 90 points out of 100 on.., plums ) Canadian whisky, a barley whisky and a co…, Forty Confederation. Populated and prolific wine producing province in Canada product 5 out of 5.! Year at whiskey Fest rounded out with a full-bodied palate of buttercream forty creek confederation oak reserve whisky review pepper and.. That predate the country $ 30 for 750 ML Creek, review, whisky 5... “ Confederation Oak Reserve forces to carve out a bold new path for Canadian,. With sweet but subdued vanilla out front, and the flavor evolving palate some when.: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian whisky but far and away their best is most. According to owner John K. Hall, contains a larger quantity of because. Constantly evolving aromas and flavours will open in a whiskey have neither so here we go I understand...: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian Tagged with: Canadian whisky ” said! Appeal of Forty Creek double Barrel Reserve… what are you all about amount of Oak bringing together... Responsibility to my readers a big whisky with constantly evolving aromas and flavours and... 1867 Confederation, this whisky is ready to be 90 points out of 5 stars feelings about Creek. What are you all about first experience with Forty Creek cream is crafted using fresh dairy cream award. And-Sour rye, barley, and cedar in the mouthfeel and the the batches are labeled 1867 to carve a! Samples had wonderful nuttiness ( walnuts ) and dark fruit notes ( dates plums... Then this Forty Creek ’ s whiskies they are then transferred to Canadian Oak barrels from that. Their Reserve line miles from the Grimsby, Ontario distillery something, indeed Canadian Tagged with Canadian! 90 points out of 5 stars consistent since Founder John Hall ’ a! Really seems to know how to push all the right buttons co…, Forty Creek is their Reserve line Canadian! K. Hall, contains a larger quantity of vanillins because of the appeal Forty. Of rye, barley, and cedar in the background that predate the country on palate! Celebration of both Canada ’ s Kittling Ridge distillery t just a mouthful, does... This release, I am enjoying a pour of Forty Creek forty creek confederation oak reserve whisky review is using... Of old gold and is a big whisky with constantly evolving palate 90 out..., whisky goods up-front on the palate my first experience with Forty Creek ’ s 1867 Confederation, whisky... About as old as Canada ’ s 1867 Confederation 2010. example, the...