I’d like to thank the folks at BeamSuntory and their PR firms for providing a review sample with no strings attached.
It was four days before Christmas when the PR folks representing the Alberta Distillers portion of BeamSuntory sent me an email informing me of the imminent arrival of a new Limited Edition release from our neighbors to the north. Now, I’ve been a fan of the Rye Whiskey produced at the Alberta Distillers distillery for quite some time. I’ve had it from various importers, some more honest than others about the source of their product. I even had a taste of a 30-year-old version from a friend in Ontario. But as I had never had a version bottled at Cask Strength, I eagerly jumped at the offer of a sample.
Funnily enough though, before that sample could arrive, I found a bottle sitting on the liquor store shelf. And no, as I was almost certain that I would enjoy this particular whiskey, I did not pass it up. After the small review sample arrived, I noticed that the proof was different than what was on my purchased bottle. The PR folks confirmed that the sample contained the Canadian release, but that the only difference between that and the US version was the proof. Just so we are clear, I’m reviewing the one I purchased tonight. Seemed to be the proper course of action as maybe that will be the one you can find too.
Here’s what the press release has to say about it:
Originally released in Canada earlier this year, the limited-edition rye is crafted and distilled in Calgary, Alberta using pure 100% prairie rye mash bills and Rocky Mountain water. The result is a perfectly balanced liquid that reflects the brand's Canadian heritage and expert whisky craftsmanship. Making a name for itself in the Canadian market, Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye comes to the U.S. after being sold out for months in Canada. Whisky fans can taste the purity in every bottle, distilled from the finest Canadian prairie grains grown by local farmers and refreshing glacier-fed Rocky Mountain spring water. This limited-edition, 100% rye is a very sippable whisky, best enjoyed neat with a drop of water or on the rocks.
Let’s see if my optimism was warranted.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
Purchase Info: $71.99 for a 750 mL bottle at Total Wine, Eagan, MN
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.80
Details: 66% ABV. Mash bill: 100% rye grain.
Nose: Cinnamon candies, mint, and sandalwood.
Mouth: Hot, as might be expected. Cinnamon candies arrive to the party first, followed by cedar and caramel.
Finish: Long and very warm. Lingering mint, cinnamon, and cedar.
Thoughts: I was right, I really like this one. If you have a thought that all Canadian whiskies are polite and delicately flavored, this will slap those thoughts right out of your head. This is hot and flavorful. I get tons of cinnamon red hot candies. It’s really tasty. I’m going to need to ration this one so it lasts me a while.
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