Albertans have it good when it comes to drinks in this country. Unencumbered from the repressive government sales structures that somehow still exist in the East, and with an abundant grain crop, they enjoy terrific whisky at value that is unfathomably good for those of us elsewhere in Canada. Cheap but enjoyable bottles populate the bottom shelves of the province's many bottle shops, perfect for sipping, mixing, or shooting cowboy-style.
Rangeland Rye, from Highwood Distillery, is a definite cowboy whisky. It is produced as an own label brand for Alcanna-owned bottle shops and comes in as an entry level whisky in a plastic bottle. But beside the Prairie branding, Rangeland is an Albertan whisky through and through.
Highwood, who also produce bargain favourite Centennial, are unique as one of the only distilleries in the world who primarily use wheat as their base distillate. If rye is known for spiciness, wheat is known to brig a soft, supple mouthfeel. On top of this gentle wheaten base, a healthy dollop of blistering Prairie rye heats things up, and there may also be some corn distillate as well for sweetness. It is aged, presumably for the legal three years, in charred American oak barrels, presumably ex-Bourbon.
Rangeland is a bargain whisky and though it won't in any global awards, it is an absolute mouthful of Alberta, and a delightful shooter or mixer. With ginger ale, with coffee, or straight out of a cowboy boot, this is the everyman's Prairie rye and a Stampede staple, even for city slickers.
*Photo courtesy drizly.com
Rangeland Rye Whisky
40% alc./vol.
$20 at Liquor Depot
The nose presents an initial caramel and vanilla sweet profile along with subtle dry oak. There's a slight herbaceousness as classic, dusty Alberta rye heats up.
On the palate, this is definitely a rye spirit with heat from the get-go. White pepper leads but is followed by some straight alcohol fire. This is offset somewhat by bitter citrus and a hint of butterscotch. Although the body is thin, the mouthfeel benefits from the supple wheat base, which softens the sharpest notes of this young rye. Wood and even a subtle leathery note come through late, beside the bitter grapefruit rind and a touch of sweet vanilla.
The finish is short but manages to be warming without too much burn. The term might be smooth. There is some oak, a little rye grain, and some bitterness. Like the nose and palate, the finish is simplistic but enjoyable.
This whisky, ideally as a shooter or mixer, is not only great value but a perfectly enjoyable bottle. It's an unpretentious and accessible rye to have on hand at home, or on the ranch as the case may be. This would be lovely with some Canada Dry for a sweet-spice combination that is sure to please. This is yet another Albertan entry level offering that will pleasantly surprised any drinker by being plainly enjoyable.
And at $20 and change, it makes for an affordable addition to your Calgary Stampede, line dancing confidence, or cattle wrangling. With this bottle on hand, you'll have money left over for your white hat and boots.
Heatseeker Score: 82
Category Score: 92
Characteristic: Spicy
Always I will drink Centennial good more someone get me that from Alberta !!
ReplyDelete