Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky

In the Glass: Dark amber, like maple syrup. On the Nose: Sweet bourbon notes are prominent initially, followed by vanilla, rye, and then sherry with faint baking spices. The sherry presence gives it an almost dark rum quality. Served neat, there's a noticeable heat at the end due to the 45% ABV. Adding water diminishes the heat on the nose. This is likely a younger blend, and the higher proof can handle a few drops. The aroma becomes sweeter with baking spices more forward: burnt sugar and caramel. Water softens the rye and enhances the bourbon influence. Taste: Sweet, hot, and spicy. Bourbon and rye are immediately apparent upon tasting, with alcohol heat present throughout. The finish is dominated by the sherry. Adding sherry directly seems unconventional yet clever. The sherry constitutes only 1% of the blend, appearing to be an ideal amount. With water, the taste becomes more fruit-forward initially, with the rye showcasing itself during development and the finish. It's sweet and spicy. The alcohol still plays a part but is well-integrated for a young blend. This reminds me of some dark, spiced rums.

We all make generalizations. Yes, it's common. My recent experiences with Canadian spirits, specifically Crown Royal Northern Harvest and Crown Royal Noble Collection, led me to assume all Canadian whiskey offered good value and quality. That was a generalization. It's similar to thinking that because some French dishes like macaroons, mousse, and cassoulet are excellent, all French cuisine must be superb. That is until you encounter something like the Ortolan (look it up...it's disturbing). This particular spirit is quite poor. Let's start with its production. It's approximately 90% rye from both pot and column stills, made with a 50/50 mash bill. About 8-9% comes from bourbon, and the remaining 1% originates from Sherry, not a cask, but the actual wine. I can picture the overly strict Scotch whisky regulatory bodies crying heresy. So, how does it taste? It's like a group of college students mixed their leftover drinks to concoct the next night's special. I sampled this at a local event where the vendor was promoting it as one of the few whiskeys available for under $30. The odd part was that he was presenting it alongside Crown Royal Northern. It was like comparing a good Canadian whiskey to a bad one. The only redeeming quality is its appearance. A very pleasing mahogany, dark tea-like hue. They might as well have added 0.5% squid ink for that color, just for fun.

The composition of this bottle alone warrants a taste. A blend of two distinct ryes constitutes 91% of the content, complemented by some bourbon and actual sherry, not just sherry cask finishing. Bottled at 45% ABV, it presents a richer, fuller profile than most Canadian bottlings. It is indeed rich and lush, with dark characteristics reflecting its name, featuring dried fruit and nutty grains. It brings to mind whole grain flapjacks with butter and dark fruit simmered in maple syrup, or perhaps I'm just hungry. Nevertheless, the sherry influence, combined with the spicy yet smooth, nutty rye base and a hint of maple, is pleasant until a rather bitter conclusion detracts from an otherwise enjoyable whisky.

The sherry is the main profile. I'm rating this highly because it's a remarkably smooth and distinct offering. This reminds me more of a sherry-aged Scotch than most ryes, but the blend creates a complex experience that finishes rich, zesty, smooth, and sweet, all in a pleasing and harmonious balance. Often, "complex" whiskies just seem disorganized or purposeless, as if only meant to challenge a sophisticated palate. Perhaps due to the freedom of blending, this feels intentional and well-made. It's quite different, but I recommend you try it to see if you enjoy it.

Acceptable and somewhat pleasing rye. The fruit-forward sherry essence is obvious. One can tell it's clearly sweeter than a typical whiskey without such an addition or significant barrel aging. Indeed, it presents warmer than its stated proof (90), but no more so than a 100 proof spirit. Hints of chocolate, plum, and fig are present. It nearly suggests a hint of chocolate rye malt included. Intriguing and worth the $20 price tag. A higher proof would be preferable.

A strong sherry presence is clear from the start, though it's only a small component. Notes of dark stone fruit, sweet vanilla caramel, and milk chocolate are subtle. Imagine sweet spiced plums simmered in red wine. Palate: Sweet dark cherries, a syrup like luxardo maraschino, rye bread, cinnamon, cherries dipped in dark chocolate, and a concentrate resembling wild cherry pepsi. Finish: A lasting bitter walnut sweetness remains, along with more luxardo cherry syrup and a drying dark chocolate bittersweet quality. 89/100