Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 2021
Canadian Rye Whisky
63-67.0% ABV (sample reviewed @ 63.7%)
$75
Website
We would like to thank Alberta Distillers and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says
Alberta Distillers, Distillery of the Decade as named by the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards, proudly announces its 2021 release of Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye Whisky into the U.S. market. Hitting shelves this month as a limited time offering, this premium whisky showcases Alberta Distillers’ expertise and skill in crafting true 100% rye whisky, which is a notoriously difficult grain to work with.
Made in Calgary, Alberta, Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye is crafted from 100% Canadian prairie rye grains grown by local farmers and nutrient-dense, glacier-fed spring water from the famed Rocky Mountains. The result is a perfectly balanced liquid that reflects the brand’s unique natural surroundings, Canadian heritage, and expert whisky craftsmanship.
“Following the success of Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye’s debut in the U.S. last year, we are thrilled to offer stateside whisky drinkers the limited 2021 release of our award-winning whisky,” said George Teichroeb, General Manager of Alberta Distillers. “When Alberta Premium debuted in 1958, we were one of the first distilleries to create a true 100% rye whisky, and this cask strength rye is the culmination of our hard work and dedication to crafting exceptional rye whisky.”
Highly revered by whisky enthusiasts, the 2020 release of Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye received numerous prestigious awards including Double Gold at the 2020 and 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competitions, Double Gold at the 2021 SIP Awards, Best All Rye Whisky at the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards and 1st Place Best Canadian Whisky at the 2021 International Whisky Competition. This special whisky is best enjoyed neat with a drop of water or on the rocks, and features the following characteristics:
Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye:
Proof: 63-67%
Taste: Exceptionally smooth with notes of caramel, vanilla and a hint of chocolate balanced with the spiciness of rye and black currant
Finish: Smooth and lingering with the complexity of spice, warm vanilla, and dark fruit
Packaged in an eye-catching, faceted glass bottle, Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye will be available in limited quantities in select U.S. markets beginning in October 2021 for an SRP of $74.99 for a 750ml bottle. With demand and popularity gaining for the distillery’s premium spirits in the U.S, whisky fans can rest assured there’s more to come from Alberta® Premium in 2022.
What Gary Says
Nose: Vanilla buttercream frosting, soft oak, cedar, mint, nutmeg, hints of maple and cherries.
Palate: Caramel and vanilla, milk chocolate, black currants, cinnamon, nutmeg, subtle mint, cracked pepper with a bit of clove.
Finish: Moderate in length with cedar, mint and lingering baking spices.
Comments: Another really lovely offering from the folks in Alberta! I tried this side-by-side against a bottle of the original 2020 release, and they were incredibly similar – which is great news for me as I really liked that one! It also benefits from some time in the glass to let the alcohol vapors dissipate, and thickens up nicely with some water. A few dollars more (which given this environment is more than reasonable) but well priced and more than fair in my opinion. If they maintain the same profile, this would be an annual pick-up for me. Too few cask strength 100% rye whiskies out there. Plus – this lovely bottle has a lovely screwcap closure which I’d rather have on ALL of my bottles!