Bottoms up! Grimsby’s Forty Creek distillery releases innovative botanical whisky

The Forager isn’t your typical Canadian whisky, says Forty Creek Whisky master blender Bill Ashburn.

“In fact, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever created. As a whisky maker, that’s always exciting, knowing you have the chance to explore new territory and push the boundaries of what a Canadian whisky can be,” Ashburn said, in a release from the Grimsby distillery It’s billed as the world’s first botanical Canadian whisky, paying homage to the distillery’s history of producing eau de vie — a spirit made of distilled fruits.

The release said the new whisky is crafted from a light, fresh Canadian whisky, initially aged for three years.

“Prior to additional aging, select botanicals are steeped in the liquid, creating a botanical-infused spirit that displays subtle yet distinct and fresh notes,” noted the release.

Botanicals used in the making of The Forager are wild-sourced; hand-picked by professional foragers who practice sustainable harvesting methods respectful of both the plants and surrounding ecosystems.

The botanicals are sourced from across eastern Canada and include juniper berries, Labrador

tea, spruce tips, mugwort, and sweet fern.

“With the launch of The Forager, Forty Creek is excited to once again demonstrate its commitment to innovation in the Canadian whisky category,” said Chris Staresinic, vice president of marketing for Campari Group Canada, owners of Forty Creek.

The Forger is now on shelves of liquor stores in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.