Alberta Premium Cask Strength Canadian Rye Whisky (750ml)

"For any whisky lover on the planet looking for a huge but nearly perfectly balanced experience, then here you go." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

Founded in Calgary, Canada in 1946, Beam Suntory-owned Alberta Distillers have been heavily promoting their Alberta Premium brand since 2020. It started with the first release of Alberta Premium Cask strength and continued in 2022, when the brand’s 40% bottling debuted in the United States.

The cask strength expressions are annual releases that vary in ABV from batch to batch. They're also 100% pot distilled, as opposed to the lower proof blend which is created using column and pot stills. Both employ 100% rye grain mash bills. Said George Teichroeb, Alberta Distillers GM, in a press release, “For distillers like myself, cask strength whiskies are where we get to demonstrate our skill and craftsmanship, as the final product is completely unadulterated. This liquid is a product of that craftsmanship and our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class 100 percent rye whisky.” Many rye enthusiasts may find the entry-level offering is fine for cocktails, but the higher proof allows the distinctive rye notes to be fully expressed.

Other reviews... Truly world-class whisky from possibly the world's most underrated distillery. How can something be so immense yet equally delicate? For any whisky lover on the planet looking for a huge but nearly perfectly balanced experience, then here you go. And with rye at its most rampantly beautiful this is something to worship. Daily. 97.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

...Strong barrel tones on the nose enhanced by mint, bread-and-butter pickles, and prunes. A floral palate is hot, slippery, and quite sweet, with restrained barrel tones, roses, mild menthol, sweet rummy molasses, and brilliant peppery spices in the middle. Later sips show slightly sour orange juice. Finishes with hot spices and vaguely bitter pith. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...I’m not sure how the standard offering Alberta Premium and this bottle are related, but they are. This hits all the notes that were missing in the standard offering. The rye pops, and the high ABV allows you to temper the whisky with a little water. You can really explore this whisky and all it has to offer. I enjoyed how long this lingered on the tongue. You are going to want to be a rye fan, I think, to appreciate what’s happening here. Some people will adore this whisky straight, others will really love opening it up with a drop or two of water, while many others will probably love this in a nice mixed drink. It has the pop you want, the flavors are there, and it’s just excellent. - thewhiskywash.com