Alberta Premium Canadian Rye Whisky

I “discovered” this as a “Closeout” in my local VA ABC store. It is reported that Alberta Distillery Ltd. produces the “best selling rye whisky in the world”. Though quite different than American Rye Whiskey, the Alberta Premium could, understandably, live up to that advertised level. It has the expected peppery rye spice but there’s also an unexpected dried fruit sweetness, not normally found in American ryes. There is also a level of viscosity that belies the low(40%)ABV. Alberta has legs that would make Betty Grable jealous.

Spicy rye, oak, woody taste notes. Not bad to sip on its own but probably better in mixed drinks. Good quality for the price.

On the nose, subtle notes of pine, coriander, maple syrup, and milk chocolate. Light and round mouthfeel. On the palate, more pine and coriander, along with toffee and orange peel. Medium-length finish. Plenty of smoothness here – but without much complexity, and with minimal intensity. 2.50/5.00 – Acceptable (neat)

Alberta Premium has a somewhat dark amber, clear appearance. The aroma is off faint grain. The flavor is of mild rye spice and sweetness. The body is medium, and it finishes moderately long. RJT

Pale golden straw body Legs appear slowly, but once running our voluminous and speedy. Ethanol is a major contributor to the nose. Getting past that, there is some toasted white bread and a touch of vanilla that comes through the Pine-Sol. A bit of clove and green apple round out the underwhelming nose. Palate is soft and a bit sticky in a very pleasant way. Like those yellow wrapped butterscotch candies... The sweetness makes itself known, and stays nearly all the way throughout. There's almost a bitter, dry woody moment following the swallow, followed by the off-putting ethanol. It turns around with a moderately long but not complex finish. It tastes better than it smells, and it makes a very good old fashioned with some help from some quality bitters and a proper cocktail cherry. That is definitely what it will be used for in our house over the holidays.