redlipwhiskydiary
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
Canadian — Alberta, Canada
Reviewed
November 29, 2020 (edited January 14, 2021)
When I heard that Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye was the recipient of the 2021 World Whisky of the Year, I knew I had to try it. Previous Canadian rye whiskies have been controversial in this list, so I tempered my excitement.
Patience is a virtue with this one. I recommend giving this rye time to breathe. Its early nose was very light. I had a moment of "is my nose broken?" since I only sensed light ethanol. After ~5 minutes, apricot and honey shined through.
But my goodness, does the flavour carry a personality! A tidal wave of spices and tannins rush over you and wane to a medium lip-tingling finish. Allspice, peppercorn and cinnamon (oh my!). With time, the initial fairly-thin mouthfeel evolves to a more-creamy experience with notes of maple, vanilla and oak.
Truthfully, I still had high expectations for this award winner. I was initially slightly disappointed and bumped up my score throughout my tasting session. As a cask strength, this rye benefits from being slightly diluted with a few drops of water. Water curbs the heat (though you get used to it anyways) but allows the rye grains to dazzle. I do think its spice-forward nature would benefit an old fashioned and other festive cocktails too. I love the cut-glass geometric bottle though wish it had a cork rather than twist-off cap.
7.75/10
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@redlipwhiskydiary and it has stood up to the challenges! also quite a good price at $55 Cad for a 65% whisky!
@robwalker Dang! you covered all of the bases. 👏👏👏
@redlipwhiskydiary I've enjoyed it in an old fashioned, Manhattan, and boulevardier!
@robwalker Yum. What did you make?
@rawalker Ouuff! That sounds like a treat. I may have to mix one myself sometime.
@Benji-Robert Yum! That sounds lovely.
@redlipwhiskydiary it's usually not often I enjoy ryes,but a recent review made me remember how much love I've had for some fancy ones. bulleit rye over ice that got a few drops of peychauds bitters is my kinda style for relaxation drinking, when I'm feeling rye which is usually summertime
Thanks @Benji-Robert! What else do you usually go for?
as a lover of sweet ryes, good review
@Swahili1 Ok, so the water does smooth it out a bit. It's a bit more mellow and does have layer depth. To me, it is a similar "dessert profile." While I do appreciate this dram for what it offers, it wouldn't be a usual go-to for my taste preference.
@redlipwhiskydiary I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after trying out with with ABV brought down a bit
Thanks for the tip @Swahili1 - I'll give it a go!
It needs water to release layers of flavor past the "spice cabinet". Much too strong and condensed when neat, but if you go drop by drop up to maybe 4 drops in a 2oz pour.....the magic is in there and it really cimes alive.
@rawalker ha good timing
I will attest to it making a fantastic cocktail!
I can attest to its deliciousness in an old fashioned. Particularly with maple syrup simple syrup and orange bitters to balance the spice.