The rye, barley and corn whiskies for this release date back to the inception of the Forty Creek Distillery and are used for the very first time in this blend. This very complex whisky unfolds rich dried fruit on the nose, together with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and subtle overtones of smoky, spirity oak. Opulent, lightly sweet flavours of dried fruit, nuts and creamy vanilla evolve into dry charred oak and smooth warming spirit on the elegantly integrated finish. This and the Forty Creek Evolution are the finest Canadian whiskies I have ever tasted.
Most whiskies in this extraordinary blend are 12 years old. Initially aged in white oak for 3 years, the whiskies are re-distilled in a copper-pot still, then blended in French oak wine barrels and aged for a further 9 years. Mellow tropical fruit, banana, vanilla, cinnamon and spirit pencil-box oak on the nose give way to fine, richly flavoured dried citrus peel and banana with a light touch of sweetness in the mouth. Finishes very dry with sensations of warming spirit and charred oak.
Yes, there is a story behind Chic Choc. And yes, it involves forbidden romance, heroic feats, fearsome beasts, rum and, well, spices. The Nordic spices that make their way into this Quebec distillate include peppery green alder, pine forest spikenard, whiterod berries, lovage root, sweet gale seeds and wild angelica (the latter of which i may have dated at some point, possibly in a dream). The upshot is a “serious” spiced run. Rather than being overly sweet and in-your-face, this number shows complexity and restraint. The spices are subtle and mingle nicely with the treacle and vanilla of the rum. In fact, on the nose, it comes off as a spicy rum rather than a spiced rum. In the mouth, there is definitely a sweet edge, but at 42.1% ABV, it’s not syrupy gloop. Nutmeg, clove, a hint of chili pepper, vanilla bean, tobacco leaf and a hard-to-define herbal note. Dare we call it “serious spice?”
Matured in oak barrels at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Deep gold/amber in the glass with a powerful, spirity nose showing dried citrus peel, rich cinnamon spiciness, banana, coconut and distinct oak. Rich sweet flavours are balanced by dry, charred oak character with a touch of fiery warmth on the long finish. A fine rum to contemplate over a warm fire after dinner.
Purplish. Good intensity on the red-fruits nose with discrete notes of oak. Supple and juicy on the palate, its ripe fruity taste fills the mouth. Finish is full and tight, a sign of quality. A good wine and a good buy to be enjoyed over the next few years on grilled red meat.
Alvaro Palacios has revolutionized Spain’s Priorat region. This beauty is a blend of Samsó, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and shows lush and alluring notes of red berries, plums, blueberry pie, earth and spice. All those delicious fruits are joined by tar, liquorice, bramble and plush tannins through a long, long finish. A lot to like here, especially the price.
Aged first in oak barrels, then in specially commissioned quarter casks used some 200 years ago. Like the 18-year-old, it needs a little water to release the complex aromatic peat smoke, iodine, salty seaweed and rich, raisiny and citrus fruit. Surprisingly mellow, with almost caramel creaminess on the palate and attractive fruity sweetness. Another splendid example of the Laphroaig style, finishing with typical ashy and dry oaky notes.