Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
The Basics:
Alberta Distillery
130.2 proof
NAS - estimated minimum of 5 years
$70 MSRP
Nose:
Vanilla frosting, toffee, butterscotch, butterfingers candy, strawberry shortcake, whipped cream, caramel apple, candied walnuts, buttercream frosting, and spearmint.
Palate:
Caramel apple, whipped strawberry yogurt, spearmint, walnuts, spiced apple cider, cinnamon sugar, Big Red bubble gum, and pie crust.
Very oily and viscous
Finish:
Long, oak, fruit roll-up, leather, baking spices, and apple crumble.
Final Thoughts:
With all the hype surrounding this bottle given the numerous accolades it has received since being released in 2019, I certainly had high expectations. The nose hits you up front with a wonderfully sweet butterscotch note, and none of the ethanol you might expect on a 130+ proof whiskey. The sweetness carries onto the palate and finish, but is balanced perfectly by the intense rye spice that lets you know you are drinking cask strength. The complexity of the aroma and flavors to match the oily texture on your palate make this one of the best rye whiskies I’ve ever had. At only $70 per bottle, this is one you don’t want to miss!