Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve 750ML

Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Ontario, Canada  |  Double Barrel Aged  |  Distillery: Forty Creek Distillery  |  Size: 750ML

Production & Heritage

Forty 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Double Barrel Reserve

Neat 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.

• Old Fashioned: The rich caramel and vanilla core stands up beautifully to bitters and a sugar cube, producing a balanced, dessert-leaning Old Fashioned.
• Whisky Sour: Its creamy texture and toasted nut notes add body and sweetness that complement fresh citrus without being washed out.
• Manhattan: The spice-forward rye component and bourbon-barrel influence give this whisky enough backbone to hold its own alongside sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Introducing someone to premium Canadian whisky beyond entry-level blends
• After-dinner sipping on a cool evening alongside dessert
• Gifting a whisky enthusiast who appreciates barrel-finished expressions
• Building a Canadian whisky flight alongside Forty Creek Barrel Select for direct comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Double Barrel Reserve taste like? 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.

How does Double Barrel Reserve compare to Forty Creek Barrel Select? 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.

Is Double Barrel Reserve good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Double Barrel Reserve made? 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.

What foods pair well with Double Barrel Reserve? 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.

What sizes does Double Barrel Reserve come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ML bottle.

Is Double Barrel Reserve worth the price? 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.

Why Double Barrel Reserve?

The 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.