COLOR: Deep bronze. VISCOSITY: Very slow-moving trails; tiny beads formed larger droplets on the glass, then descended the sides with a graceful, unhurried motion, much like ornate jewelry. AROMA: Moderate intensity (3/5); features sweet rye, caramel, butterscotch, and honey. Also notes of tart green apples, lime, and subtle tropical fruit, alongside herbal and oaky elements. More appealing and welcoming than the previous batch. It doesn't present as 66% ABV. The aroma improves with time, revealing a pleasant, warming, sweet rye dustiness. WITH ADDED WATER (10 drops to 15mL): Sharp notes of acetone emerge, diminishing the aroma's appeal. Score 8/10. TASTE: Rich, viscous, full-bodied, and smooth, with a potent and drying alcohol sensation; powerful (5/5). Exhibits sweet rye spice, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, and maple syrup. It's quite fruity, with notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and licorice. Significant drying oakiness is present, ending with a slightly salty tang. A truly satisfying, full-bodied experience, though somewhat overwhelming. WITH ADDED WATER: Becomes richer and creamier, more approachable. Further dilution enhances this effect. Score 8.5/10. FINISH: Long and powerful (5/5); drying. Lingering sweet rye spices, continuing butterscotch and honey notes, persistent pepper and cinnamon, and remaining herbal and oak character. You'll know you've had a substantial drink, as your tongue will feel slightly numb. WITH ADDED WATER: Becomes longer and fruitier. Score 8/10. OVERALL: A very rich and robust dram. Water is recommended to moderate its intensity. Excellent served in a tumbler with an ice cube, but consume before the ice melts completely and dilutes the rye flavor excessively. IMAGERY: Enjoying gummy bears in the rear of a barn filled with freshly harvested grain and dust after the season's work; a cool breeze is present, but the warmth from this bottle keeps me comfortable while I avoid my duties.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye (2020 Release)
Whiskey Canadian Whisky Alberta No age statement
Tried it?
How was this pour?
Score this bottleRating a bottle takes an account, so your scores follow you and count towards the number everyone else reads.
About this bottle
Beam Suntory, the parent company, introduced Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye to the U.S. in late 2020 as a limited edition, after its initial release was exclusive to Canada. Alberta Distillers in Calgary, Alberta, produces this Canadian whisky from 100% prairie rye and Rocky Mountain water. The rye is bottled at cask strength following an unspecified aging period. As it is produced in batches, the alcohol by volume ranges between 63.9% and 66% ABV (127.8-132 proof).
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
I've never really been a fan of rye, but after trying a few of these, I've become one. The flavors are beautiful, and you'd never guess the high alcohol content.
Not a fan of very high ABV whiskies. Added a drop of water. That helped considerably. Grain, spices, kerosene and hot! But I enjoyed it a lot!
Complex, fiery, zesty, sweet, with caramel and a syrupy consistency - a delight.
Honeyed cinnamon candies, yet smooth.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
