Forty Creek ready to pour for Friends of Fort George
As long as Canada has existed, there has been Canadian whisky — even longer, perhaps.
“Canadian Club has been making whisky longer than Canada has been a country,” said Forty Creek whisky brand ambassador Chris Thompson. On Feb. 22, he will share the history of Canada’s unique national liquor with guests at the Friends of Fort George’s whisky-tasting fundraiser at Navy Hall, alongside more than a few splashes of the golden spirit from the Grimsby-based distiller.
“People don’t realize it is a big part of the foundation of Canada,” said Thompson, noting Canadian whisky quickly became known the world over for its sweeter and less complex flavour profile than that of its Scottish and Irish counterparts.
At points in Canadian history, some of the largest taxpayers were whisky makers.
“It’s one of the things that kind of put Canada on the map,” he said.
With that in mind, it only makes sense that the Friends, with their focus on Canadian heritage, would pair Canada’s historical drink with some food and a fundraiser.
It’s the second year the organization, which is aimed at heritage preservation and promotion in Niagara-on-the-Lake, will hold the fundraiser, with Thompson pouring samples from the entire Forty Creek portfolio, including a few limited editions that will soon fade into the ether.
“I’ll do a bit of a deep dive on a few of our whiskies,” said Thompson, noting guests can expect some information not only on the craft of whisky-making in Canada, but also some best practices in enjoying the drink and pairing it with food.
Retired Lt.-Col. Bernard Nehring, a Friends of Fort George member, noted whisky might be entwined with Canadian history, but spirituous beverages also have their own military history.
Even back in the days of 1812, soldiers at Fort George would be issued rum as part of their rations, a tradition that has continued throughout Canadian military history. In the month of February during the final year of the Second World War, Canadian soldiers consumed 15,000 gallons of rum.
“In the military, this is a standard practice,” said Nehring.
The event will highlight that historical importance, as well, as guests sample the Forty Creek line, paired with various dishes, in the historical, fire-lit setting of Navy Hall. The event kicks off at 7 p.m., and tickets are $45 per person.
Friends of Fort George executive director Tony Chisholm said the inaugural event last year was a huge success, prompting the organization to bring it back in 2019.
“Forty Creek deserves a lot of the credit,” he said, noting all the funds raised will be directed to the Friends' heritage preservation efforts, including summer student positions at Fort George and Brock’s Monument.
In 2018, the Friends hired 16 students for summer jobs.
Tickets to the event are available by calling 905-468-6621 or emailing admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca.