Forty Creek Distillery: Niagara's Craft Canadian Whisky Story
Updated: 16 hours ago
Forty Creek calls itself Canada's original craft whisky, born in the Niagara region of Ontario. Its own timeline shows how a fruit brandy distillery became a whisky maker.
In this guide
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Forty Creek at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Forty Creek |
Location | Ontario, Canada |
Ownership | Campari Group |
History / origin | Wikipedia says Forty Creek is a Canadian whisky brand made in Grimsby, Ontario, and named after Forty Mile Creek. John Hall, owner of Kittling Ridge Wines and Spirits, privately launched the brand… |
Whisky characteristics | Canadian whisky producer in the Niagara region |
Visiting | Consult current official visitor information; not every distillery is open to tours. |
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Grimsby, 1972
According to the Forty Creek story page, Otto Rieder concluded that Niagara, with its abundance of tender fruit, was the right place for a distillery making eau de vie, carrying on the tradition of his grandfather's distillery in Switzerland. With private investors and two venture capitalists he obtained a distillery licence in 1971 and opened the original Grimsby facility in 1972. It is still the core building today.
He also made Alpenbitter from his grandfather's recipe, which is still produced.
John Hall and Bill Ashburn
In 1992 founder John Hall began working with master blender Bill Ashburn to take Canadian whisky in a new direction. The company says it took eight years to plan, perfect and produce.
Timeline from the distillery
2000: Barrel Select is first tasted in Canada, a blend of grain whiskies aged in seasoned ex-bourbon barrels and new American white oak. The distillery calls it its most awarded whisky.
2007: Copper Pot is released, blending three types of grain whisky, each aged separately. It was renamed Copper Bold in 2022.
2014: Campari Group acquires Forty Creek.
2022: the brand is relaunched with new packaging, and the whiskies are unchanged.
Awards and ownership
The distillery says it was named Whisky Maker of the Decade at the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards, and Canada Whiskey Distillery of the Year at the 2024 New York International Spirits Competition. It also lists 2021 San Francisco Spirits Awards medals for Barrel Select and Confederation Oak.
Since 2014 the brand has belonged to Campari Group.
Visiting
The website invites visitors to the Niagara distillery for a tasting bar and a tasting flight of its blends. Online shipping is for Ontario only. Check the official site for current tickets and hours.
History and ownership
Wikipedia says Forty Creek is a Canadian whisky brand made in Grimsby, Ontario, and named after Forty Mile Creek. John Hall, owner of Kittling Ridge Wines and Spirits, privately launched the brand and distillery in 1992, after acquiring the plant from Otto Reider. Campari Group bought it with its ageing inventory in March 2014 for 186 million Canadian dollars.
First expressions: Forty Creek Barrel Select and Three Grain
Method: rye, barley and corn are fermented, distilled and aged separately, then blended. Barrel Select is 40% ABV
Later releases: the first Special Reserves bottlings in 2007, and Copper Pot and Cream in 2012
People: Bill Ashburn has been master blender since 1992. Wikipedia reports an announcement in September 2026 that he would retire in December
Recognition: Double Gold at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Malt Advocate named John Hall Pioneer of the Year in 2007
Sources and gaps
Sources: fortycreekwhisky.com home and Our Story pages, read 20 October 2026.
Gaps: ABVs, stills and capacity, the founding of the whisky operation versus the brandy distillery, and John Hall's later role were not on the pages read. Who owned the Grimsby site between 1972 and 1992 is not stated. Slug and cover image to be set by hand.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Wikipedia Forty Creek article.
What makes Forty Creek distinctive?
Canadian whisky producer in the Niagara region
Forty Creek whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Forty Creek Barrel Select | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Canadian whisky producer in the Niagara region |
Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Canadian whisky producer in the Niagara region |
Forty Creek whisky bottle photograph
Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Canadian whisky bottle
Named expressions include historic or limited releases and do not guarantee current availability, strength or specifications. Check the producer's labels.
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Frequently asked questions about Forty Creek
Where is Forty Creek located?
Ontario, Canada.
Who owns or operates Forty Creek?
Campari Group.
What is distinctive about Forty Creek?
Canadian whisky producer in the Niagara region
What whisky is associated with Forty Creek?
Forty Creek Barrel Select, Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve. Current availability must be checked.
Can you tour Forty Creek?
Please check the producer's current visitor information; not all locations welcome visitors.
Sources and editorial checks
Existing history and sources are retained above. Ownership, operating status, bottlings and tours may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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