Forty Creek Whisky Celebrates Canada's 150th with a New, Limited Edition of Confederation Oak

Published
06/21/2017 by

Known for its diverse portfolio of complex yet approachable whiskies, Forty Creek is commemorating Canada's 150th anniversary with the release of a special, limited-edition run of its artfully crafted Forty Creek Confederation Oak blend. Forty Creek Whisky has called Grimsby, Ontario, its home for over 20 years. The area is also known for being one of the most historically significant areas from the pre-Confederation era. Grimsby – formerly known as 'The Forty', is nestled in a region known as home to some of the most impactful battles fought during The War of 1812. These events would ultimately form the fabric of what would become our great country, while also defining the Canadian frontier.

As a means of celebrating both the formidable spirit of the early settlers that established such a significant portion of Canadian history, and the country's monumental 150th birthday, Forty Creek invited the Canadian artist community to share their visions for a new package that would showcase the Grimsby region and Canada's rich cultural heritage. Gracing the package of this special edition of Forty Creek Confederation Oak is a spectacular piece titled, To the Confederation, by Calgary, Alberta, artist Sheila Schaetzle. An elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, Sheila's artwork has been exhibited across the country.

"We received many impressive submissions from artists across the country and we are very appreciative of the enthusiasm each artist demonstrated," says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager, North American Whiskies. "We wanted to celebrate this monumental Canadian anniversary in a way that fully encompassed the essence of Forty Creek as a true leader within the whisky category. Sheila's submission did an outstanding job in artfully combining the richness of Canada's history and the important role it plays in the Forty Creek Confederation Oak whisky."

"To honour our heritage, I wanted to emphasize the strengths of the Canadian White Oak," says Sheila Schaetzle. "The black and white theme – the cool haze of the tree tops, puts the focus on the soldiers. It demonstrates a strong foundation kept simple, and something that is uniquely Canadian."

Aged in barrels crafted from locally-sourced Canadian oak trees first rooted at the time of Confederation, Forty Creek Confederation Oak pays homage to the series of events that helped shape the foundation of Canada. A full-bodied whisky, the Forty Creek Confederation Oak has an ever-evolving aroma that starts with layers of maple, raisin, vanilla and fig, followed by spice and orange blossoms. As the whisky is enjoyed, flavours of vanilla and buttercream emerge on the palate with pepper spice framed by oak, walnut and smoke that leads to an exceptional, long-lingering finish. With its excellent balance and vibrant flavours, Forty Creek Confederation Oak is truly an icon of Canadian whisky that is best when sipped and cherished.