New Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve
May 2nd, 2008It’s time to take a brief break from all the Speyside whisky I’ve been writing about. The pioneering Canadian distiller, John Hall, at Kittling Ridge, will be releasing a new whisky this September called Forty Creek John K. Hall Double Barrel Reserve. I could tell you about it, but let’s get it straight from John:
I decided to Double Barrel my aged Forty Creek Whisky stocks. Instead of blending the rye, the barley & the corn whiskies, rounding in sherry casks, and finally bottling, as we do Forty Creek Barrel Select, I blended the three aged whiskies and then re-barreled them in “First Run” bourbon barrels.
Since my whiskies had already been aged, I didn’t want to distract from the taste I had already achieved. My intent was to complement the existing taste and therefore I needed barrels without fresh harsh oak tannins. The characteristics of the “First Run” bourbon barrels were just what I was looking for. These barrels would enhance the existing tastes of Forty Creek and take the whisky to another level. The added bonus would be allowing all three whiskies time to mellow, and get to know each other in the same barrel.
The whisky won’t be bottled until June. When it is, he’s going to send me a sample. I’ll give you my thoughts on the whisky at that time. This is a limited edition run of 10,200 bottles worldwide.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 am
Sounds fantastic - I was worried it was like the Ardbeg ‘double barrel’ for a minute.
For us Ontarians, did he say whether it will be available at the LCBO?
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:27 am
He didn’t mention distribution, other than saying “worldwide.” Hopefully he will see your posting and respond. If he doesn’t, I’ll ask him.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Hi BA,
There will be a limited amount of Forty Creek Double Barrel available in selected LCBO stores - probably on the shelves in October.
Also, we are currently accepting “Choose your Own Bottle Number” reservations for customers who are able to pick up their bottle of Double Barrel Reserve at the Distillery in Grimsby, Ontario. Double Barrel Reserve will be released at the distillery on September 15th. (Unfortunately we cannot ship).
Follow this link for more information:
http://www.fortycreekwhisky.com/whatsnew/default.asp
Thank you very much for your support!
Cheers,
Beth
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Thanks Beth! I am already assuming I will not see it on the shelves here in Pennsylvania, but what about the rest of the U.S.?
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hi John,
There will definitely be some Double Barrel Reserve available in:
Texas
Georgia
Florida
New Jersey
Oregon
Illinois
We are hoping to add a few additional markets - stay tuned.
As well, the Double Barrel will be available at a few different on-line retailers for our USA customers that can’t get it in their home state.
Cheers,
Beth