Much of Canadian Whisky over the last two centuries has involved producing light corn, wheat, or barley whisky flavoured with a touch of spicy rye. But today's consumer looks beyond those light blends and demands bolder flavours. Canadian distilleries coast to coast are burning the boats as a result, trying to produce as much rye distillate as they possibly can. Alberta Distillers, however, have used rye almost exclusively for their entire existence. Simply put, there is plenty of rye growing in their part of the country.
Nowadays, well-aged, boutique Alberta bottlings have hit the market but at least one Alberta-branded whisky has long been recognised as well outperforming its price. Alberta Premium is a bottom shelf whisky that is probably better known as the favourite tipple of Jim Lahey, but enthusiasts have long known this whisky is much more than cheap plonk.
A single rye from before single rye was cool, Alberta Premium is the most widely available of the array of dramatically underpriced whiskies coming from the province (think Centennial or Alberta Springs, among many others). It consists of two rye distillates blended together after at least four years of aging in ex-bourbon oak. One of these is the lighter, base rye distilled to a high percentage and the other is a bolder 'flavouring' rye. These whiskies are 'married' for a final year before bottling, which would account for a five year age statement if one were added. The bottom shelf reputation of this whisky isn't only shattered by unvaryingly positive enthusiast reviews, it's also won plenty of awards including multiple 'Canadian Whisky of the Year' from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. Rye's renaissance of late has certainly brought classier new bottles to the table but this whisky is by no means being left in the dust.
Although it now has a growing family of high end (but still absurdly underpriced) brethren, Alberta Premium remains the standardbearer for entry level single rye. It's fairly straightforward in its sweet-spicy balance but, compared to its shelfmates, provides way more of what you'd expect when you ask for rye. Other brands have pivoted to showcase the kind of things this distillery's been doing for years, and as a result can command higher prices for their bottles. Alberta Distillers seem happy to keep selling for volume, avoiding today's inexorable rising prices, and for that we can be extremely thankful. Its worth comparing this bottle with its cask strength sibling, bottled at 65.1%, to get a more powerful look at what's in this bottle.
Bursting with spice and the distillery's signature bone dry character, those who don't yet have a bottle of Alberta Premium should grab one right away. It's the undisputed baseline for single rye and a steadfast ambassador for both the history and future of Canadian whisky. It costs less than almost all other whiskies but is an absolute staple for rye forward cocktails and happy sipping, reputation be damned.
Alberta Premium Canadian Rye Whisky
40% alc. / vol.
$28 at LCBO
Alberta Premium is marketed as a 'national treasure' and a whisky providing this much flavour for the price is a treasure indeed. On the nose, plenty of oak and rye spice, as you might expect. It's clean, crisp, and hot. Some butterscotch sweetness and lemon zest is present but big, sharp rye is at the fore.
The palate arrives with a little more sweetness than might be expected after the nose. Zesty lemon and orange joins butterscotch sweetness but oaky, spicy rye is the driver of flavour here. There is some earthy bitterness underneath all, tying things together nicely. This is a lighter rye, emphasis here is on the base whisky component. However, the mouthfeel is creamy and full.
The finish arrives with drying spice, glowing cinnamon heat, and dry oakiness. Though the finish is short, the drying aspect and lushly spicy profile suggest a higher strength than the 40% in the bottle.
Alberta Premium is dangerously easy to sip and, especially with its price point, demands to be poured liberally. There isn't a great deal of complexity here but everything is nicely balanced and there is no shortage of bold flavour.
Loads of spicy rye and a compelling citrus character make this bold and warming but also extremely drinkable. This is a staple to have on hand and though this blog doesn't encourage Jim Lahey's bottoms up approach to Alberta Premium, no one denies the ease with which this bottle can be finished. Truly a Canadian flagship whisky and one that uniformly surprises those expecting a cheap dram. It may not be a showy bottle but forms the bedrock of a properly stocked bar for cocktails or casual sipping. This is a whisky worth drinking and worth much more than its blissfully low price.
Heatseeker Score: 86
Category Score: 93
Characteristic: Sweet and Spicy
We're reviewing five different ryes produced at Alberta Distillers as part of a series. We invite you to check out the other reviews and find your favourite.
Wot a classic type of whisky!
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