Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye

I’m not a rye fan but I really like this. Nose is light and sweet with very little of the spices, herbal and floral tones that have put me off of rye in the past. I get a slightly buttery note and very faint mint and spice on the nose that reminds me of a less “rye-y” MWND. Some rye notes I pick up in heavier rye MGP juice coming through. Caramel and maple syrup. The palate is where this shines. Super smooth and coats the tongue beautifully. Cherry is front and center. Minty freshness on the back end. Caramel on palate too. There is a lot more going on here I’ll have to parse over time. Finish is long and very pleasant. Heat lingers to remind you of the 66% alcohol, but isn’t obnoxious. Drinks below its proof. All in I’m a huge fan. This is the first rye I’ve gotten that I will put in my weekly rotation. I use the rating scale below. Distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Sharp rye taste, and very strong. But I liked it

When I first got this bottle, I immediately opened it to try the 2020 Jim Murray whisky of the year. Taking it out of the box, the bottle looks nice, but upon taking the foil off, I notice that the top is a cheap military select vodka plastic screw top; a not-so-premium indicator. Not a great start, but since it’s the liquid that matters, I ignore the cost-cutting measure and pour a glass. The nose seemed nice with a high alcohol smell but nowhere near the highest proof I’ve had, so nothing I’m not used to. I go in for my taste and immediately think that the Canadians are in league with Murray to export uncut dragon piss for profit. It was napalm on the tongue with some rye spices and in the back of the cabinet it went. However, many weeks have gone by now and this has opened up nicely. On the nose I now smell tangerine citrus, banana, pumpernickel bread, whipped butter, rich caramel, maple syrup, candied ginger, and black pepper. Tasting it starts with a medium mouthfeel and similar notes with caramel, maple syrup, banana, tangerine citrus, leading to spices of gingerbread cookies, freshly baked pumpernickel bread that’s been covered in whipped butter and finishes with loads of rye, barrel spices, and black pepper coating your mouth, and leaving a medium rye finish.

First take at this one. Strong rye taste. A little water opens the favor a lot.

Wow, great value and flavour!! Glad for a friends’ recommendation to grab a bottle. Perfect for a stiff cocktail at the end of the day or just on its own with a splash of water.

Smack you in the face rye