{"title":"Forty Creek","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"forty-creek-barrel-select-750ml","title":"Forty Creek Barrel Select 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForty Creek Barrel Select 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a blended Canadian whisky bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle, crafted from individually aged rye, barley, and corn whiskies. Scoring 94 points from Tastings.com and earning a Gold Medal at the 2014 Beverage Testing Institute Competition, this expression has built a devoted following among drinkers seeking depth and complexity beyond the typical Canadian whisky profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Ontario, Canada  |  Aged 6–10 Years, Sherry Cask Finished  |  Distillery: Forty Creek Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForty Creek Distillery sits in Grimsby, Ontario, nestled between Hamilton and Niagara Falls. Founded by the late John K. Hall—a winemaker-turned-distiller who applied winemaking philosophy to whisky production—the distillery takes a distinctive approach: rye, barley, and corn are each fermented, distilled, and aged separately for six to ten years in a selection of toasted and charred white oak casks. This allows the distiller to develop the optimal character of each grain independently. After blending, the whisky undergoes a six-month finishing period in vintage sherry casks, a step that layers additional richness and fruit complexity onto the final spirit—an uncommon technique among mainstream Canadian whiskies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with warm honey and creamy vanilla before unfolding into ripe apricot and toasted oak. Underneath, black walnut and gentle baking spice round out a layered, inviting bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and silky, with honeyed sweetness and vanilla giving way to a robust mid-palate of cocoa, rye spice, and toasted earthiness. There is genuine complexity here—each sip reveals a new detail, from the caramel sweetness contributed by the oak aging to the darker, nuttier notes from the sherry cask finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and smooth, the finish trails off with mellow richness and lingering warmth. Soft vanilla and a whisper of dried fruit stay on the palate well after the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Barrel Select\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube is the ideal starting point—the 40% ABV sits at a comfortable proof that doesn't require dilution but opens up nicely with a touch of chill. This whisky also performs well in cocktails:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The honey and vanilla backbone stands up to bitters and orange peel without getting lost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour:\u003c\/strong\u003e The apricot and cocoa notes complement citrus beautifully, adding depth beyond what a straightforward grain whisky provides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sherry cask influence gives Barrel Select a natural affinity for sweet vermouth, creating a harmonious, fruit-forward variation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a bourbon drinker to the Canadian whisky category\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding an affordable home bar with versatile mixing whiskies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA weeknight sipper that delivers complexity without demanding attention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who enjoys Crown Royal but wants to explore further\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Barrel Select taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Barrel Select delivers a soft, silky texture with dominant notes of honey, vanilla, and cocoa, backed by rye spice and toasted oak. The sherry cask finish adds a subtle dried-fruit sweetness that distinguishes it from more straightforward Canadian blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Barrel Select compare to Crown Royal?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are approachable Canadian whiskies at 40% ABV, but Barrel Select uses a grain-by-grain aging approach and a sherry cask finish that yields more complexity and darker fruit character. Multiple reviewers have noted switching from Crown Royal to Barrel Select as their preferred Canadian whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Barrel Select good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its smooth, mellow character and moderate 40% ABV make it very approachable neat, and the layered tasting profile rewards slow, attentive sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Barrel Select made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Barrel Select is produced at Forty Creek Distillery in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, located in the Niagara region between Hamilton and Niagara Falls.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Barrel Select?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked salmon works with the whisky's honeyed sweetness; dark chocolate echoes the cocoa notes on the palate; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the soft vanilla; pecan pie mirrors the toasted nut and caramel character; and charcuterie boards with dried fruit highlight the sherry cask influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Barrel Select come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard and most widely available size is 750ml, though Forty Creek also offers 375ml and 1.75L formats in select markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Barrel Select worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Barrel Select positions squarely in the entry-level to mid-range tier for Canadian whisky, and the sherry cask finishing, multi-grain aging process, and 94-point rating from Tastings.com represent strong value relative to similarly priced competitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Barrel Select?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining differentiator here is process: aging each grain whisky independently for up to ten years, then blending and finishing in vintage sherry casks for an additional six months. That two-stage maturation creates a depth of flavor uncommon at this price point in the Canadian whisky category. Gold medals from the Beverage Testing Institute and Wizards of Whiskey Awards in 2014, alongside a 94-point rating from Tastings.com, confirm that the approach translates into the glass. For drinkers who find standard Canadian blends too one-dimensional, Barrel Select offers genuine complexity without a premium price tag.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forty Creek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836526784681,"sku":"10504","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/FortyCreek.webp?v=1730930023"},{"product_id":"forty-creek-double-barrel-reserve-750ml","title":"Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForty Creek Double Barrel Reserve 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Canadian whisky that undergoes secondary aging in ex-bourbon barrels for added depth and complexity. Rated 92 points by Tastings.com and awarded Gold at both the 2014 Beverage Testing Institute Competition and the 2014 Wizards of Whisky Awards, this expression represents one of the most acclaimed bottlings in the Forty Creek lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Ontario, Canada  |  Double Barrel Aged  |  Distillery: Forty Creek Distillery  |  Size: 750ML\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForty Creek Distillery, located in Grimsby, Ontario, was founded by the late John Hall, whose innovative approach to Canadian whisky helped reshape expectations for the category. The distillery's signature technique involves distilling rye, corn, and barley separately through traditional copper pot stills, then maturing each grain whisky individually in oak barrels. For the Double Barrel Reserve, these three mature whiskies are blended and then transferred into handpicked American oak ex-bourbon casks from Kentucky for up to two years of secondary aging — a double-barreling step that layers in additional vanilla, caramel, and toffee character not found in the distillery's standard expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden roasted grain leads into deep vanilla, followed by toasted spice and a nutty wave of pecan and walnut. The nose is warm and inviting without excessive heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with toasted nuts and caramel, quickly moving into a creamy vanilla mid-palate. A caramelized richness builds across the tongue, lifted by a roasted spice that keeps the sweetness in check and adds dimension through the peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rounded and complex, the finish carries lingering notes of roasted nuts and baking spice. It is notably smooth and mellow, extending well beyond what might be expected at 40% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Double Barrel Reserve\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the layered vanilla and nut character that the double-barreling process contributes. The whisky's smoothness and moderate proof also make it versatile in cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The rich caramel and vanilla core stands up beautifully to bitters and a sugar cube, producing a balanced, dessert-leaning Old Fashioned.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its creamy texture and toasted nut notes add body and sweetness that complement fresh citrus without being washed out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The spice-forward rye component and bourbon-barrel influence give this whisky enough backbone to hold its own alongside sweet vermouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium Canadian whisky beyond entry-level blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping on a cool evening alongside dessert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whisky enthusiast who appreciates barrel-finished expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Canadian whisky flight alongside Forty Creek Barrel Select for direct comparison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Double Barrel Reserve taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Barrel Reserve delivers a rich profile of toasted nuts, creamy vanilla, and caramel, supported by warm baking spice and a smooth, mellow finish that lingers well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Double Barrel Reserve compare to Forty Creek Barrel Select?\u003c\/strong\u003e Barrel Select is the core expression in the Forty Creek range, while Double Barrel Reserve undergoes an additional secondary aging period in ex-bourbon casks from Kentucky, resulting in deeper vanilla and caramel character and a more complex, longer finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Barrel Reserve good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 40% ABV it drinks smoothly with minimal burn, and the layered flavors from double-barrel aging reward slow, contemplative sipping without needing water or ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Double Barrel Reserve made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Barrel Reserve is produced at the Forty Creek Distillery in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, situated in the Niagara Peninsula wine region along the southern shore of Lake Ontario.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Double Barrel Reserve?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pecan pie complements its nutty sweetness; aged cheddar contrasts the caramel richness; crème brûlée mirrors the vanilla and toasted sugar notes; smoked salmon highlights the whisky's spice; and dark chocolate intensifies the roasted grain character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Double Barrel Reserve come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard widely available size is the 750ML bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Barrel Reserve worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Barrel Reserve positions as a mid-range Canadian whisky that punches above its price tier thanks to the labor-intensive process of separate grain distillation and secondary bourbon-barrel aging, making it strong value for a whisky carrying a 92-point rating and multiple gold medals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Double Barrel Reserve?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining strength of this expression is the double-barreling process itself: individual copper pot still distillation of three grains, separate initial maturation, blending, and then a second aging period of up to two years in hand-selected Kentucky bourbon barrels. That extra step builds layers of vanilla, toffee, and caramel that simply are not present in standard Canadian blends. A 92-point Tastings.com rating and dual Gold medals at international competitions confirm the results. For drinkers seeking a Canadian whisky with genuine barrel-driven complexity at a mid-range price point, Double Barrel Reserve delivers substance that justifies its name.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forty Creek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837660360873,"sku":"29256","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/FortyCreekDouble.webp?v=1730930114"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/forty-creek.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}