Alberta Premium Golden Rye 9 Year Old (45%)

This new expression from Alberta Distillers is 100% pure Canadian rye, in keeping with the distillery’s long-standing tradition. It is also, as is the Alberta Distillers’ custom, rather popularly priced, much less than what you might expect to pay for a Scottish malt of the same age.

Well named, it pours a rich gold colour with an immediately evident aroma of caramel and a leather tannery, backed by yellow plum fruitiness, hints of marzipan, and a background of black peppery spice.  

On the palate, the sweet caramel hits first, fooling the drinker into believing that perhaps this 45% alcohol whisky is but a mild mannered one. But that impression doesn’t last long, as the caramel is quickly supplanted by notes of spicy raisin, another touch of marzipan, but dry this time, and hints of key lime and mandarin, followed by a healthy wallop of peppery spice that continues through the rapidly drying finish.

Overall, I’d describe this as a fine addition to the Alberta portfolio, approachable in both character and price, but with an almost hidden complexity that will delight any serious rye whisky drinker. While pleasant enough on its own, I think the addition of a small ice cube would be to its benefit, and it forms the base of a delightful Manhattan if paired with a not too overbearing vermouth.

86 ($38)