Alberta Premium

Alberta Distillers Ltd, one of the first distilleries to create a true 100% rye whisky, recently announced the introduction of their signature core expression, Alberta Premium to the U.S. for the first time. This stateside launch follows the successful relaunch of Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye into the U.S. in 2021. The premium 100% Canadian rye whisky currently boasts the title of the No. 1 selling 100% rye whisky in the world, as outlined by IWSR global sales numbers, and Alberta Distillers was named Distillery of the Decade by the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Crafted and distilled in Calgary, Alberta, Alberta Premium is made from 100% Canadian prairie rye grains grown by local farmers. The grains are uniquely nourished by nutrient-dense, glacier-fed spring water from the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

“We were thrilled by the response to our re-introduction of cask strength rye whisky to the U.S. last year, and this year we wanted to offer U.S. fans the opportunity to get their hands on the liquid we’re best known for,” remarked George Teichroeb, General Manager of Alberta Distillers. “Alberta Premium showcases exactly what true Canadian rye whisky can be, and we’re proud to continue the tradition of producing the gold standard for Canadian spirits and using 100% rye grains to craft this distinguished liquid.”

GSN’s Remarks: A lighter, Canadian-styled rye, that still has plenty of spice. At first, the flavor seem subdued, but after several seconds, the body opens up and the zippy rye does a tarantela on the tongue. This is followed by notes of cinnamon candy (red hots), and a subtle smoky sweetness. For a pure rye, you can’t go wrong with the price point here. A friendly and easy on the pocketbook whiskey. We like this in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Alberta Distillers

#AlbertaPremium

Louisville, Kentucky’s Barrell Craft Spirits has released Batch 32, the latest from the luxury-focused whiskey blender. The thirty-second batch is blended from Tennessee-, Kentucky-, and Indiana-distilled Bourbon with the selected barrels at 5-, 6-, 7-, and 10-years old. The 57.67% abv Bourbon is bottled at cask strength and retails for around $90 a bottle.

Frankfort, Kentucky-based Castle & Key Distillery has launched Rise 2022 Seasonal Gin, the third spring release from the distillery since its restoration in 2014. The 51.5% abv spirit is made from 63% rye, 20% malted barley, and 17% yellow corn with rose petals steeped in the base before distillation. Rise’s botanicals also include juniper, tarragon, lemon peel, green peppercorn, almond, green cardamon, and licorice. Rise will be available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Indiana, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin for a suggested price of $36.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Michter’s has released a new batch of US*1 Barrel Strength Rye. This edition, overseen by master distiller Dan McKee and master of maturation Andrea Wilson comes in at an average abv of 55.8%, with variations depending on the individual barrel. The single barrel bottling is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested price of $100 a bottle.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., purveyor of rare, luxury-priced Irish whiskies, has announced Taoscán, the company’s latest limited edition offering. The single malt was first matured in a combination of Bourbon casks and Oloroso Sherry casks, before being split into new French chestnut and Tawny Port casks to finish for two years. The whiskey is bottled at 48.53% and 700-ml. bottles will be available in select U.S. retailers for a suggested price of $1,600 a bottle.

Canada’s Alberta Distillers, part of Beam Suntory, has launched Alberta Premium in the U.S. for the first time. The 40% abv whisky is made from 100% rye grown by local Calgary farmers and the bottled product is blended from whiskies aged at least five years. Alberta Premium is rolling out now across the U.S. for a suggested price of $25 a 750-ml. This is the first widely available release for the brand in the U.S. and follows the late 2020 limited release of Alberta Premium Cask-Strength.

Captain Morgan Rum is extending with Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla. The new expression is a limited-time release that’s at 30% abv. To support its launch, the brand has partnered with former Bachelor contestant Joe Amabile, who created several cocktail recipes using Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla. It’s available on shelves now across the U.S. and Canada for a suggested $16 a 750-ml.

New York’s Proof & Wood Ventures has announced Seasons 2021, a new limited-edition blend of American whiskies. The 52.5% abv whiskey is a blend of Tennessee Bourbon distilled in 2003, Indiana light whiskey distilled in 2007, Indiana Bourbon distilled in 2015, and Kentucky whiskey distilled from 99% corn in 2013. Roughly 1,000 bottles will be available across the U.S. for a suggested price of $200 a bottle.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily