Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
65.1% ABV - Alberta, Canada
Nose: Initially difficult to pull a lot of flavour but over time there was vanilla, honey, and light wood spices.
Taste: Overall impressed how smooth it is. Drinking like a nice high-rye bourbon there is vanilla, caramel, maple or butterscotch, and baking spices with a really great, oily mouthfeel.
Finish: The main flavours end quickly, but some spices are lasting. A clean finish; slightly drying.
Here we go! The sought after Canadian rye whisky after being named the best whisky by some guy. It’s surprisingly light on the nose for 65.1% ABV—no strong alcohol burn, but some.
The first time that I tasted it I was thoroughly unimpressed… I must have had only a small dram and then I mixed it into an Old Fashioned. If I recall we were doing a cocktail competition (well, yes, only Old Fashioneds) and the one with Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye was our least favourite. In hindsight, we did nothing to counter the high ABV.
When I took this time to sit down with this now, I think that I can appreciate the quality of it.
Tasted 04 November 2021. (Posted 07 June 2022.)
88/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
