Ask someone on the street to name Canadian whiskies. There’s no doubt that Crown Royal and Canadian Club would be first names out of the gate. After that, it may get a bit murky.
In that case, it's entirely plausible to have never heard of Alberta Premium, a dependable whisky from up north that deserves more notice in the U.S.—especially because the brand's cask strength expression was named the 2021 whiskey of the year.
Admittedly, Alberta Premium’s presentation could use a bit of a facelift. The bottle is rather plain, and the label isn't the sexiest. That said, looks being deceiving. If you pass this up thinking it’s just another cheap spirit, you're missing a diamond in the rough.
Canada is known for two types of whiskies: one of course is the 100-percent rye and the other is a grain blend. Its distilling laws also differ from the U.S. Distillers have a bit more leniency when crafting its spirits. While there certainly have been some wonderful and inventive bottles produced because of looser governance, it's still hard to beat a full rye whisky.
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Alberta Premium, though, is as Canadian as it gets, crafted by Alberta Distillers Limited, which has been doing business in the heart of Calgary since 1946. Alberta Premium's mash bill contains 100-percent Canadian prairie rye, setting it apart from numerous other competitors.
A good inhale infuses the nostrils with ripe banana, vanilla, and butterscotch notes. That butterscotch essence carries onto the palate as a light hint of walnut sneaks its way through. It’s not overpowering but just enough to let you know there’s more than meets the eye. There are quick hits of caramel and spice to round things out. The finish comes off a touch sharp at the end, but not so much that it throws off the entire taste.
It’s not overly complex, either. It doesn’t need to be. It's an easygoing whisky to drink, which makes it an ideal base for a solid old fashioned or sidecar. Though it's a go-to for cocktails, don’t discount it for neat sipping, though the distiller recommends a drop of water or ice cube. I agree with the recommendation, as I quickly found that slight dilution brought out sweetness and balance.
Although not sold everywhere, Alberta Premium is available across the United States. With a price point of $25, it’s extremely budget-friendly. There's the award-winning Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye available for those who want to take things to the next level, but it’s also twice the price. For what you get with your money, it’s worth keeping a bottle of classic Alberta Premium on your bar cart. You'll find yourself returning to it more frequently than you think.
Related: I've Tried Thousands of Whiskies. This Affordable Bottle Is Perfect for Easy Sipping
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/sWh0HYk
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