Alberta Distillers has introduced a limited-edition cask-strength Whisky to the U.S. market: Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye. Originally released in Canada earlier this year, the Rye is crafted and distilled in Calgary, Alberta using pure 100% prairie rye mash bills and Rocky Mountain water. The Rye has been the talk of the Whisky world since it made headlines earlier this year when it was crowned 2020 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray, an award the brand and owners Beam Suntory have publicly distanced themselves from due to the sexist language the author used to depict spirits in his book.
The original Canadian release of Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye left a mark on experts and consumers alike this past year, earning accolades such as Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Best Cask Strength at the Canadian Whisky Awards and Gold at the Canadian Whisky Awards. It’s also crafted at the distillery that was awarded the Distillery of the Decade by the Canadian Whisky Awards and it comes to the U.S. after being sold out for months in Canada.
Bottled between 63.9% and 66.0% ABV, the Whisky offers sweet, wood, and oaky aromas with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it’s exceptionally smooth with notes of caramel, vanilla, and just a hint of chocolate that balance the spiciness of rye and black currant. The finish is described as smooth and lingering with the complexity of spice, warm vanilla, and dark fruit.
“Alberta Distillers prides ourselves on being the producer of the world’s number one selling 100% rye whisky in Alberta Premium,” said George Teichroeb, General Manager of Alberta Distillery. “We wanted to release a cask strength rye so our whisky fans can experience a 100% rye whisky in its purest form: straight from the barrel. This whisky truly is a great representative of our commitment to crafting superior rye whisky.”
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye will be available across the United States in limited quantities for the price of $69.95 for a 750ml bottle.