Alberta Premium Rye Whisky
Alberta Premium Canadian whisky is an enigma. It’s an affordable, run of the mill, 5 year old whisky made from 100% rye grain. But it is also highly regarded and even considered to be the best Canadian whiskies, according to Jim Murray. What we do know is that Alberta Premium is a 100% rye whisky made in Canada that is readily available. Alberta Springs is another 100% rye that is aged for 10 years and made by the same distiller (Alberta Distillers). Pike Creek and Lot 40 are rye whiskies, but are available in only limited quantities. So what is Alberta Premium, is it average or great?
Alberta Premium whisky is made in the standard Canadian way, via blending. The blending process consists of using a base whisky that is double distilled to about ~190 proof. The second whisky, or flavouring whisky, is single distilled to only 130 proof. Both distillates are aged in either new oak, or bourbon barrels, which held bourbon for no more than four years. They are then blended together and bottled. For Alberta Premium rye, the minimum age of the whisky is 5 years, however older whiskies may be also used to ensure that the product remains consistent. The Alberta Springs rye whisky uses the same process, but the minimum age of the whisky is 10 years.
Appearance: Golden
Nose: The nose early on is dry with hints of rye. There isn;t a lot going on and the alcohol is even subdued. Aside from the rye, there are some very subtle floral notes. After a minute the rye become more apparent and some of the sweetness starts to come out. After 3 minutes the nose doesnt change much. Unlike other Canadian whiskies, there isn’t that characteristic toffee aroma.
Palate: On the tongue the rye is apparent and provides a good bite. A lot of the flavour happens on the back half of your tongue. There isn’t an exceptional amount of flavour in this whisky, but it does have rye characteristic and a slight sweetness that is pleasing. It is a very clean whisky. Over all the Alberta Premium is smooth with a good clean finish, with some warmth.
With Water
With a little water the nose becomes a little sweeter and the rye less pronounced. Upon tasting the whisky, it becomes very smooth, but also dilutes out some of that rye bite. With the water a little more of the oak comes out. It still tastes like rye, but because it is a very smooth whisky to start, the water only makes it smoother. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you are looking for in a whisky.
Alberta Premium Summary
Alberta Premium is the least Canadian of the Canadian whiskies. It doesn't have the toffee like flavours that are common in this style of whisky, nor does it have the sweetness. Using 100% rye is one of the factors. If you want to make a super smooth Manhattan, then this is probably your best choice for Canadian whisky. Use a good vermouth and some quality bitters because Alberta Premium seems to want to share the spotlight. This is a good starting point for people to enter the world of whisky.
Price: $21.75 / 750 ml
Related Products
Alberta Springs Whisky (10 Year) ($21.95 / 750 ml)
 
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36 Comments on Alberta Premium Rye Whisky
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Dear Sir,
is it possible to order one bottle of the Alberta premium rye and the Alberta Spring whisky?
I couldn'd found any source here in germany for this 100% rye whisky.
With best regards,Wolfgang Bucher
how and where can i get alberta springs whisky in the US
your shit is thee best shit iv ever had in my life......
keep up the good work.....................
I received the Alberta Springs 10 yr old as a gift and it is great. Are there any plans for Alberta Distillers to get an export license to the U.S.? And/or does Jim Beam products bring it in under another name?
Alberta premium 25 year is beyond belief.
My favourite whisky to date is pike creek and as we know we cant get the pike anymore. So this one is a close second, it compares but at the same time does not compare. It is as close as i have come to pike creek. I wish that corby would re- continue pike creek. Pike is a whisky that corby could charge up to 100 dollaes a bottle as it is better than some famous and expensive brands of scotch, but it is or should i say was an unherd of Cnadian jewel.
Corby or Wisers or who ever owns it now , pleae bring back pike creek.
Alberta Springs rye whisky is the best whisky made. Can anybody tell me how it may be purchased in the USA?
I have a 710ml bottle of Alberta Springs old time Sipping Whisky complete in a wooden box with literature dated 1974 please could you tell me price it might be worth to-day, and how I would go about selling this. Many thanks Cynthia.
I was on a fishing trimp to Nortwest Ontario last summer and found Alberta Premium Rye. Wow this stuff is great. I have tried to have it ordered from a couple of liquor stores in Minnesota and have had no luck. Does anyone know where I can get it in the states?
Cynthia...i will give 100 us dallors for ur box and bottle.
I came across an old Alberta Springs Canadian Sipping Whisky wooden box. Imported.
The back of the wooden box says:
Canadian Whisky A Blend
Distilled, Aged and Bottled under the supervision of the Canadian Government, Imported by Alberta Springs Distillery Co. New York, NY. 4/5 Quart. Can you give me an approximate age on this box. It had belonged to my father in law who would have been 103 years old.
I'm enjoying my first glass of Alberta Premium 25 Yr. Limited Edition right now. Wow, is this stuff ever smooth. Even smoother than Crown Royal, but not quite as flavourful. Hard to believe that this stuff is almost as old as I am and only costs $30.
Try Alberta Premium's big brother:
Tangle Ridge
It's very good.
I received a bottle of Alberta Springs Whiskey made in 1972. Its in a wooden box. Is the whiskey still good? Is it collectable or should I drink it.
is there anywhere in Spain where we can purchase Alberta Premium Rye Whisky? Or if not, how can we purchase it?Thank you.
I am not usually a whisky drinker but found an old bottle of Albeta Springs Canadian Sipping Whisky(90proof 45%alc. Wow really great flavor and very smooth. The label says imported by alberta springs distillery co. deerfield,il..
Is this product till available anywhere.
Anywhere you know of to get Alberta Premium T-Shirts or Posters?
I have been drinking Alberta Springs rye whiskey for 20+ years when I can find it. I believe it is imported to the USA. However, I cannot find it often. Can you tell me places to get it in NC, SC, NM, and Florida? It has marvelous flavor and is smooth. A true sippin'whiskey to savor.
I have a sealed 32 year old bottle of Alberta Springs Old Time Sipping Whisky (750mL) in the original wooden box, the date on the seal is 1975. I received this as a gift about 15 years ago, I know it's very good whisky because I've had it before. Does anybody know where I can find the value of this bottle?
Mario
I'm looking to purchase some Alberta springs but I can't find where to buy it in the US.
I, too, would like to know if there are any U.S. distributors for Aberta Premium. My wife just came back from Canada and brought back another rye that may be o.k., but I truly prefer Alberta Premium. Can anyone help me?
I am not able to find Alberta Springs whisky anywhere here in the US. Do they even make it anymore? Where can I purchase or order?
I have had your whiskey now I would like to buy your barrels to make some swish...
Where can they be purchased.
can I buy some of this, my dad loves it and fathers day is comming up...thanks Kathy
Can you tell me where I can buy Canadian Alberta Rye Whisky in the United States?
I have a sealed 43 year old bottle of Alberta Springs Old Time Sipping Whisky (750mL) in the original wooden box, the date on the seal is 1963. Does anybody know where I can find the value of this bottle?
Alberta Springs has been my whiskey of choice for many years. I think many out there may think Canadian whiskies might all be quite similar in taste and flavour but I would suppose that those people have never tasted Alberta distillery whiskies.
It is the only true Canadian 'Rye' Whiskey, rye being the consummate word. Alberta Springs along with its two brother ryes produced by this distillery - Alberta Premium and Tangle Ridge – are the best quality Canadian sipping whiskies out there.
I was surprised to hear that it is hard to acquire outside of Canada. Sad, but maybe this distillery has all of the market it can handle right here in Canada without chasing markets afar. More for us!
It is a full bodied whiskey with the right balance of smoothness, ‘oakiness’ and mild bitterness in the spirit that gives it just the right 'bite' and after taste that causes me to grimace with pleasure after each sip (straight up or neat).
Alberta Springs (the 10 yr old) is the perfect mate for a good cigar. The only two whiskies you will find in my cabinet are Alberta Canadian Rye Whiskies and, oh yeah, that other whiskey from Scotland - Single malts.
I love alberta premium and the glasses that sometimes are attached to the bottles. I have not seen any for a long time. How can I get some?
Regards Brad
Hi! I'm living in germany and would like to drink this one. i'm quite a fan of jim lahey ;) and if i don't get it wrong, he's drinking that one. so i need to get it too :) is it possible to get it here in germany?
can I find Alberta Premium in northern Min. or northern Wi. ?
Dick
I love your ryes, all three, Alberta premium (25 year old), Alberta Springs and Alberta Premium (5years old). I took a bottle to Brazil when I worked over there and they loved it too. Keep up the good work.
Oskar
I 1st tried Alberta Springs Sipping Whiskey while on a hicking trip in the Smokey Mountains on Spring break from Nicolet College, Rhinelander Wis. A fellow hiking brought a bottle dated 1974 in the wooden box we put it into a stream to chill it ! Over the years i purchased many bottles w/boxes; the last purchase i found 5 bottles; boxless and were nolonger cork tops ! I have 1 left sealed until my 50th birthday which is 2 days and 1 year away ! Dave
I have heard that your 25 year old Alberta Premium is to be delisted by the LCBO. In the name of all that is holy and an excellent rye why would you delist the best honest rye in the world. I am heartbroken!!!
Never I have seen one bottle of albeta premium in any saq,quebec.ca.,into my life.Within the westerners culture,surely it looks delicious.
I have 1968 bottle of alberta springs whisky unopened in a wooden box, any one know what that may be worth. I also have one dated for 1966. I also have a 1950 white hourse scotch whisky, any info would be great thanks.
I have begun drinking Canadian Whiskey again after swearing off it about 30 years ago due to the overindulgence of youth. Alberta Springs truly is a different beast to the other marketers of Canadian. Where Crown Royal has an almost "Rummy" character, and Wisers (although I quite like it) can be almost liqueur like in sweetness, Alberta Springs has a totally different character. There is a very full, creamy mouth feel, moderate sweet rye taste, and then a strong peppery finish. A very nice drink.
My one criticism is that it does not hold up with the addition of water. The pepper is still there, but thinning the alcohol brings out a slightly sour aspect. Take it neat.
I would like to know who the idiot responsible for delisting 25 year old Alberta Premium is. The very last of the true Canadian rye whiskey aged to perfection and some idiot has decided to discontinue it. Does it have to do with the company having been bought out by the Americans the same ones that brew Jim Beams? This is BS.
BRING BACK THE 25 Year Old I SAY!!!!! Canadian Rye being made with no rye what kind of crap is that!! First you destroy our beer industry now this!!!! We need whiskey brewing micros.