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Forty Creek Unity

2018's Big Canadians - Part I of VII

2 784

@talexanderReview by @talexander

24th Nov 2018

1

Forty Creek Unity
  • Nose
    22
  • Taste
    20
  • Finish
    21
  • Balance
    21
  • Overall
    84

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

I think I've now purchased most if not all of the more prominent Canadian releases this year, so over the rest of 2018 I'll slowly get to reviewing all of them (plus a few non-Canadians along the way, of course). Let's start with 2018's Forty Creek Limited Edition, Unity.

For this one, Master Distiller Bill Ashburn (who seems to keep a lower profile than John Hall did before Campari bought him out) further aged this blend with the addition of high mocha wood staves (I don't know what mocha wood is, if you do please comment). This was combined with a 10 year old corn whisky, and then the permitted amount of 15 year old starboard port wine was added. This whisky was selected by five fans (how they were chosen is unknown to me) whose names are on the box (I won't bother repeating them here). If you happen to be one of them, let me know cuz that would be cool!

The colour is a dark caramel with reddish highlights. On the nose you do get that port element, with blueberries, cherries, green apple skins, butterscotch, toasted oak and milk chocolate. There's a slight grassiness which is quite nice. Red wine vinegar? A drop of water brings out a bit of wood smoke and some malt. Very pleasant and fruity.

On the palate this is fruitier still, with plums, black cherry, sandalwood, and a big fruity red wine note. More butterscotch, vanilla extract and an herbal note I cannot quite pin down. Water creates a slightly syrupy mouthfeel. Unassuming and very typically Forty Creek.

The medium-length finish is more chocolate with cherries and plums, and a hint of rosemary. It's a nice whisky, fully in the Forty Creek wheelhouse - which means it's good but a bit too sweet and fruity for me to fall in love with.

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7 comments

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

@talexander, thank you for another nice review. This review makes me want to buy a bottle of Unity; however, having already tried it, I will keep my hands in my pockets. This will be the first FC special release I've not patronized in a decade. It might be me, but I have a hunch I'm not alone when I state that I'm tired of paying a premium for young/immature whisky...maybe next year.

5 years ago 4Who liked this?

@talexander
talexander commented

@paddockjudge I considered buying another bottle but I just didn't like it quite enough to splurge on it again.

5 years ago 0

@OdysseusUnbound
OdysseusUnbound commented

I had “reserved” a bottle of this back when it was announced, and they just emailed me, saying although I didn’t get to the distillery to pick it up, they have a deal with Canada Post and they can ship it to me. I have until November 28th to decide. I’m torn. Your review seems fairly positive, and I generally enjoy FC, but I’m not sure if I want a bottle that badly.

Question

Was there any hint of spirit-driven bitterness on the finish? I find FC hit and miss with this. The Copper Pot Reserve, which is one of my favourites, when it’s a good batch, sometimes has an off-putting vodka note on the finish...

5 years ago 0

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

I was not excited by this one.

5 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@OdysseusUnbound I didn't find any real bitterness, no.

5 years ago 1Who liked this?

@Robert99
Robert99 commented

@talexander Blueberries is an interesting and rare note. How often do you have it? Me, that is a flavor that I now associate with buckwheat whisky.

5 years ago 1Who liked this?

@talexander
talexander commented

@Robert99 It would have to be something extremely fruity (which is not always to my taste), and is usually in conjunction with other berries, or cherries - I find it most often with wine or port finishes (and this one has port actually in it).

5 years ago 0