Forty Creek Port Wood Reserve

I don't often write reviews; however, after opening my fourteenth bottle of this rare beauty, I feel compelled to share my enjoyment.

Forty Creek Port Wood Reserve 2012 Lot 61, (45% abv) Bottle 615/ 6600.

I opened this bottle about a month ago, just as I was stricken with a crippling cough and respiratory infection. One dram was poured from this bottle, but it was lost on me as my palate was, for lack of a better word, paralyzed. That tough patch is behind me and I'm well on my way to testing my palate again.

The aromas rising from the Canadian Glencairn glass possess a delicious density. Bumbleberry pie - dusty cocoa - honey, tea, and almonds much like a decades old Montecristo - exotic spices. The port influence is unmistakable. All are very inviting.

With a promise this big, is it possible to reach the suggested level of greatness? I am reminded of expressions that project greatness, but fall flat on delivery. This particular expression is very nearly unbelievable. It is Beautiful. Voluptuous. Sexy. To borrow from The J. Geils Band; My blood runs cold / My memory has just been sold / My angel is a centerfold / Angel is a Centerfold.

This beauty has it all. Any better and it would be obscene.

Freshly picked berries, both sweet and tart. Raisins, walnut skins, faint prickly pepper and amazing rye spiciness. The port is abundant, yet not overwhelming. This is an explosion of flavour, big and juicy. Did I mention the high quality dark chocoalte? This is a very complex whisky.

The balance is near perfect. The exit is clean. Dry with mild heat and continuing spiciness. Silky and supple. The sweet fruit lingers and Habanos tobacco returns amidst a wave of faint anise bitterness. Even the finish has balance.

This whisky is a testament to the creativity of John Hall, the self-proclaimed 'whisky maker' and now referred to as 'The Founder' of Forty Creek. A true masterpiece from this whisky savant.