Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Review (63.7%)
In-Depth Review
We all know the gripes whisky enthusiasts have about Canadian whisky- it’s too soft, too unregulated, too boring. As a result, for years whisky enthusiasts in the US have seemingly dismissed Canada as a whisky making country. So, when Alberta Distillers Limited began releasing their “limited” release 100% rye cask strength expression, it felt a bit out of left field. Aged for a minimum of 5 years, and using 100% Canadian prairie rye, and released at full cask strength, this feels like the opposite of what we have come to expect from our neighbors to the north. Released in batches according to their ABV, it comes in at a premium price as well - retailing for around $75 in my area. But after winning Whisky of the Year from Jim Murray, I figured it would be worth a shot to see if it was worth all the buzz. Today, we will be jumping into the 63.7% ABV batch.
Age: Non-Age Stated (but at least 5 years minimum)
ABV: 63.7%
Cask: Not Stated
MSRP: $75
Distillery Name: Alberta Distillers Limited
Review Date: 11/10/23
Color: Bright Gold
Nose: The nose starts off with soft florals and gives off perfume qualities. There’s rose water, lilac, mint, whipped cream, and bright vanillas. As it settles, there is more toasted hazelnut, barrel char and in the background lurks a puff of slight smoke. The heat is well restrained on the nose, and never intrudes.
Palate: On the palate, spicy chocolate jumps from the glass, showing off the bright and vibrant body to this whisky. Immediately, you know this whisky isn’t messing around. It’s in your face, hot, and full of flavor. It fills out with notes of black tea, peppercorn, eucalyptus, mint, and a wallop of rye spice. It’s more savory than I expected, with that rye spice taking center stage. As it coats the tongue the heat begins to crank up and can drown out a few of the more subtle flavors.
Finish: Long, lingering, excellent finish. While the palate is big, bold, and in your face, the finish softens quickly and leaves notes of cherry, vanilla, and wood spice. The finish can feel almost sparkly at times, with that strong rye spice leaving a lovely tingling sensation on the palate.
Final Thoughts: I’ll come out and say Alberta Cask Strength is the best Canadian whisky I’ve had in a long time. Where many other Canadian whiskies are soft, subtle, and forgettable, this expression from Alberta lies on the other end of the spectrum. Similar in intensity to some of the cask strength ryes coming the US, this whisky isn’t for the faint of heart. It will challenge you, knock you around a bit, but you’re going to enjoy it. If the bite is too much for you, then a couple of drops of water goes a long way. Adding water does remove some of the intense flavors as well as heat – so use sparingly. After enjoying for a few days, I would put Alberta Cask Strength above many other 100% ryes at this price point (looking at you Whistlepig). It seems like Alberta is trying to singlehandedly eliminate the stigma around Canadian whisky with this singular expression. And while this goes a long way to make Canada whisky interesting, we still have a long way to go.
