Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve

Forty Creek
Confederation Oak Reserve
Canadian Whisky
Whisky Maker: John K. Hall
40% ABV (80 proof)
Lot 1867-F, Bottle Number 09788
~$70 (sample provided)

Color: medium brown, ruddy tint

Smell: soft, smooth, restrained nose. Faint sweetness in the form of caramel sweets and toasted marshmallows. Behind that main note, there is a crisp red apple smell and a little bit of toasted oak.

Taste: also restrained. Soft caramel sweetness on entry, then faint tart apple crispness and something bittersweet (finely ground peanuts?) on the midpalate. The finish brings in a little more oak, but it's fleeting.

Overall: This whiskey is whisper-smooth. There are no unpleasant flavors, and the experience is a pleasing combination of caramel sweetness, a hint of oak, and some interesting secondary flavors. It's a borderline "B+/A-" for me - I'd love to experience it at barrel proof!