Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve

Once again, it took me half a bottle to realize that I had something special in my hands. Confederation Oak Reserve seemed rather hot, prickly at first, and also reluctant to reveal its character. After having the bottle open for a week, only then did I begin to marvel at what a great whisky it is.

Nose: sweet and herbal like Wiser's Lecagy but richer, more rounded, and less fruity. Perhaps the corn and barley malt speak louder than the rye in this blend. Soft and inviting, there is a sweet bread-like aroma.

Taste: crisp yet soft, it is all woodsy here. Pine forest. A very clean oakiness, not at all like a charred bourbon taste. Very unique delivery. Develops a balancing sourness mid-palate. Also coffee beans.

Finish: sweet and sour, with lasting wood notes. Again very clean.

This whisky stands up to everything I pit it against. Seems expensive, but worth the money.