Forty Creek Unity

I think I've now purchased most if not all of the more prominent Canadian releases this year, so over the rest of 2018 I'll slowly get to reviewing all of them (plus a few non-Canadians along the way, of course). Let's start with 2018's Forty Creek Limited Edition, Unity.

For this one, Master Distiller Bill Ashburn (who seems to keep a lower profile than John Hall did before Campari bought him out) further aged this blend with the addition of high mocha wood staves (I don't know what mocha wood is, if you do please comment). This was combined with a 10 year old corn whisky, and then the permitted amount of 15 year old starboard port wine was added. This whisky was selected by five fans (how they were chosen is unknown to me) whose names are on the box (I won't bother repeating them here). If you happen to be one of them, let me know cuz that would be cool!

The colour is a dark caramel with reddish highlights. On the nose you do get that port element, with blueberries, cherries, green apple skins, butterscotch, toasted oak and milk chocolate. There's a slight grassiness which is quite nice. Red wine vinegar? A drop of water brings out a bit of wood smoke and some malt. Very pleasant and fruity.

On the palate this is fruitier still, with plums, black cherry, sandalwood, and a big fruity red wine note. More butterscotch, vanilla extract and an herbal note I cannot quite pin down. Water creates a slightly syrupy mouthfeel. Unassuming and very typically Forty Creek.

The medium-length finish is more chocolate with cherries and plums, and a hint of rosemary. It's a nice whisky, fully in the Forty Creek wheelhouse - which means it's good but a bit too sweet and fruity for me to fall in love with.