Very long time rye drinkers have seemingly had their justifiable share of juice from Alberta Distillers, although extra generally through manufacturers that supply from the Calgary-based single-grain large. A very long time mainstay on Canadian cabinets, the distillery’s personal Alberta Premium model has extra just lately made waves south of the border. Alberta Premium Cask Power Rye has been out there in the US for a number of years, and their extra customary — and lower-proof — Alberta Premium Rye just lately launched on this market.
However relating to the distillery’s in-house manufacturers, the actual head-turning releases stay elusive beneath the forty ninth parallel: age-stated rye whiskies in 20, 25, and 30 12 months varieties. Palatable American ryes with that age are within the realm of unicorn pours for many shoppers; for the value, there are scant few comparable merchandise in any North American market.
On a latest journey to the distillery’s dwelling province, we sourced and sampled a bottle of the 20 12 months rye. Like all Alberta Premium rye whiskies, this expression includes a 100% rye mashbill. Let’s give it a attempt.
The nostril begins with vanilla and baking spice, which step by step provides option to bitter apple sweet after a couple of minutes within the glass. There are lingering notes of almond extract and nutmeg, one thing leaning towards the chemical however not altogether disagreeable. Frankly, it’s troublesome to match to any American rye as a result of it smells so extremely completely different. It’s price noting this whisky noses properly above its 84 proof.
On the tongue, there’s a fast burst of toffee and praline, a lot nuttier than caramel and with an approachability again in step with an 84 proof drinker. The almond extract is again, this time with some very mild spice. There’s only a trace of wooden. This can be stunning given the very previous age assertion, however comprehensible since a large portion of the mix matured in once- or extra usually used barrels. It sits pleasantly within the mouth, although this whisky’s quietude additionally makes it a bit more durable to pick complexity and quite a few flavors without delay.
The end is lingering and, surprisingly, in no way skinny. Baking spice, a lighter almond taste, and perhaps a contact extra praline sit properly on the tongue.
Evaluating this to most American ryes instantly broadens the spectrum of perceptible flavors from distilled rye grain. It’s a straightforward and pleasing drinker for positive. But there’s one thing else right here. Sure, it’s often a wry insult to name one thing a great cocktail whisky. However Alberta Premium’s 20 Yr Outdated exists at such a uncommon intersection of proof, age, worth, and complexity that it’s a disgrace to not attempt it in a favourite rye-based cocktail.
This can be a whisky to be taught from and experiment with. If the corporate’s increased age-stated merchandise make it to American cabinets, we’ll grow to be bolder drinkers for it.
84 proof.
A- / CAN$90 / albertadistillers.com
Alberta Premium Rye 20 Years Outdated
CAN$90
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