Art of the Blend coincides with Forty Creek’s rebranding as ‘Niagara Whisky’, which features a somewhat “collegiate-style” of font on the bottles. A new branding schema that has received mixed reviews. The old 40C branding and logo definitely was in need of an update, as it was something that resembled a 90’s-era Canadian gift shop bottle of ice wine or maple syrup.
Art of the Blend is said to be made with whisky that has been “infused with grapes harvested in the darkest hours of winter from the Niagara region.” With this release that celebrates Master Blender Bill Ashburn’s 35 years of whisky creation, Bill has characteristically chosen not to provide an age statement, and instead let the final blend do the talking – which it does quite well.
SHELF APPEAL RATING (Note: does not count toward final score, out of 5):
APPEARANCE: Clear. Golden honey.
NOSE: An initial whiff smacks of chocolate and marshmallow-coated raspberry jam with a biscuit base – Viva Puffs essentially. A deeper layer reveals the trademark Forty Creek raisin bran cereal note with maple syrup. A dusting of powdery vanilla.
PALATE: Bright and delicate. The chocolate and marshmallow raspberries are consistent on the palate, and is accompanied by raisin bran, lemon pith, mocha, candied orange peel and oak.
FINISH: Warming and pleasant. Finish holds on longer than you’d expect, and clocks in at medium-to-long on the Finish-o-meter; English sponge toffee, milky coffee, chocolate, raspberries and oak.
ABV: 45%
AGE: NAS
CASK(S): American oak
Price: $89 CAD
ENJOY: Neat, with an ice cube or sphere or in a cocktail
RATING:
Conclusions
The Art of the Blend release stays true to form for many of the special 40C releases; take a corn/rye/barley blend and throw in the influence of a non-whisky element (in this case, ice wine grapes).
At times, Art of the Blend tastes a little young for an expression that retails for nearly $90 Canadian. For me, it is missing an extra layer of complexity that would have really made a big, triumphant statement. Despite this, it is incredible easy to drink, displays a wonderful flavor and aroma combination, and is one of Forty Creek’s best available whiskies today.
If you’re still relatively unfamiliar with the exceptionally smooth ‘Forty Creek style of whisky’, then starting here wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
…And For Those So Inclined: A Recommended Cigar Pairing
Pair Art of the Blend whisky with the Ashton Magnum Classic cigar.
Though it has ample complexity, the Art of the Blend is still relatively delicate and has a sweet, bright profile that accompanies the Ashton Magnum, which is quite possibly one of the world’s very best mild-charactered cigars. It exhibits a creamy nutty character with a touch of lemon citrus that melds well with the powdery vanilla and chocolate notes of the Art of the Blend.
– Kurt Bradley
Reviewed February 12, 2023
Kurt Bradley is the founder of The Gentleman’s Flavor, to which he is also a contributing editor, host and curator.
Kurt is a certified Whisky Ambassador accredited by The Scotch Whisky Association and has achieved Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits Education Trust with distinction.
He lives in Toronto, Ontario.
