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Every week, Purple Feet will feature a choice wine as the "Pick Of The Week". Be sure to check back every Monday for a new Pick Of The Week, as well as an archive of previous weeks!
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August 3 , 2003
Forty Creek Barrel Select - Kittling Ridge - Ontario
4.5 grapes
This
has certainly become my favourite Canadian whisky. Distilled in small
batches in the small copper pot still and aged in white oak barrels hand-picked
for their unique characteristics. A careful selection of light, medium
and heavy char barrels create a richness and toasted earthiness in the
spirit. Vintage sherry casks are chosen to round off the whiskies. This
unique barrel selection process results in a whisky where aromas of honey,
vanilla, dried apricot, and soaked raisins fuse with toasty oak, black
walnut and spice.
Eight
years in the making, John Hall, master distiller explains "Forty
Creek Whiskies have been inspired by my passion to create whiskies that
rekindle
the heritage of Canadian craftsmanship and quality. I've been a Winemaker
for 30 years and I approach whisky making the same way, bringing out the
best characteristics and subtleties by using various small grains and
barrel aging techniques." Hall states "Froma creative standpoint,
I have a whole new canvas to paint on. But, you have to be more patient
to see the results. You can produce wine and have it on the market in
a couple of years. With whisky, you must care for it six, eight, twelve
years."
Well I say congratulations, a fine, damn good whisky! Even Michael Jackson, the whisky guru, agrees with me: "The richest-tasting Canadian whisky I have tasted".
Established
in 1992, Kittling Ridge has become recognized for their innovation in
the industry. Their highlyacclaimed Icewine & Brandy has garnered
over 20 International tasting awards. Their eye-catching Inferno Pepper
Pot Vodka, with 2 flaming red peppers inside the bottle is acknowledged
as making the world's greatest Bloody Caesar. Kittling Ridge has been
recognized by the Ontario Government 3 years in a row as an Innovative
Growth Firm, adding significant economic value to the Province.
The Purple Feet Rating System: |
5 grapes = spectacular |
4 grapes = delicious |
3 grapes = yummy |
2 grapes = okay |
1 grape = awkward |
