This was Forty Creek’s annual special edition for 2014, and it may well be one of John Hall’s best whiskies yet. The nose is aromatic, yet still very mellow with notes of blackberry preserves, fig cookies, hints of clove and cinnamon, dark chocolate, and red grapes. The taste is buttery and smooth at first, followed by bursts of cinnamon and clove that fade to reveal blackberry preserves, nutmeg, and hints of tree fruits. The finish lingers for a long time, fading away smoothly with gentle spices, hints of oak, dark chocolate, tree fruits, and fresh berries. Don’t rush this one, or you’ll miss out on something. (February, 2015)