Alberta Distillers Alberta Premium Cask Strength

This whisky is too intense to review in a traditional way. I just want to capture some of my impressions. My first impression is that this isn't just a full-bore version of regular Alberta Premium. That is, after all, column still rye whereas this tastes more like pot still to me. But if anyone has different information I would be happily corrected on that point.

At full strength it is hot and fragrant. It tickles the sinuses, yet you still get the warm rye bread and also some sweet spearmint. Logic dictates that water would bring out more aromas but this kind of whisky is best to experience in all its undiluted glory. More spices emerge on the nose with time, becoming almost pungent. Definitely not your typical Canadian whisky.

On the palate it's an explosion of both heat and flavour. Not much sweetness to speak of, just peppery spice and dry grain and mouth-puckering oak. And that touch of cooling mint for balance. Wonderfully intense.

The finish is quite dry and long. The flavours really settle into the grooves of your mouth. This is really quite a different expression of Alberta Premium. Compared to their standard bottling, I doubt anyone would even recognize this as the same type of whisky. If you like real rye whisky this is a must-have.