Alberta Springs 10 year old Canadian Whisky

Alberta Springs aged 10 years (40% alc./vol.)

November 12, 2011

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Luscious and weighty with beautifully integrated aromatic spices and waves of white pepper. Sweet, like Mackintosh’s® toffee, vanilla, and dried fruit. Citric zest, linen, some dustiness, and hints of oak. Spicy Rye. ★★★★☆

There are some things Canadians know almost instinctively: “Double-double” is coffee, usually Tim Horton’s coffee, with two sugars and two creams added, a “two-four” is a 24-bottle case of beer, and “rye” is whisky. In fact we Canadians start calling it rye, long before we ever learn some people refer to it as whisky.  We come to know what wheat is, and corn, and most of us also recognize barley. Eventually, some of us, though not most of us, learn there is a grain of some kind that is also called rye, but darned if we could ever tell you what it looks like, what it is used for, or which province produces the most of it.

Marketing folks love to extol the virtues of whatever sets their whisky apart. When it is distilled from four different grains, the marketers scream: FOUR GRAIN WHISKY!!! THE HOLY GRAIL!!! Similarly, when it is made from 100% rye grain, they scream: 100% RYE!!! THE HOLY GRAIL!!! So it is refreshing that the only major distillery in North America capable of regularly distilling whisky from 100% rye grain does not believe it necessarily has to scream about it, or even distil from 100% rye grain all the time.

Although they claim “100% rye” for their Alberta Premium line only, (and Alberta Premium is always distilled from a 100% rye-grain mash), Alberta Distillers actually makes a number of other whiskies that are also distilled from 100% rye grain. Most of the time that is. They do not claim 100% rye for these whiskies though, because sometimes, when they are blending a new batch, there is other whisky in the warehouse that also fits the rye flavour profile. The whiskies for each batch of Alberta Springs, for example, are selected based on the flavours they will contribute to the final blend, and not on some pre-determined recipe for marketing types to shout about. With Alberta Springs we are drinking a whisky, not a recipe. Yes, some batches may use nothing but rye distillate, but others, as the taste tests direct, may also include whiskies distilled from mashes made with corn, wheat, or even a rye-wheat hybrid called triticale (trit ih CAY lee). These guys are Canadians, eh? They know, first off, that rye is a drink.

Nose:  Starts out with typical rye notes including baking spices, some dustiness and a suggestion of sour pickles. A rich sweetness quickly follows with vanilla, butterscotch and black licorice.  There is sour fruit and sweet fruit, including green apples, apple juice, and Welch’s white grape juice. Very expressive.

Palate:  Begins sweet like Mackintosh’s® toffee, but with aromatic baking spices added – cloves, ginger, nutmeg – a hit of vanilla, and a vague fruitiness that resolves into red grapes with hints of dried fruit. Waves of hot pepper arrive quickly then linger in the back of the throat. A dry grain presence throughout complements hints of linen. It’s luscious and weighty in the mouth – thick and creamy with a syrupy slipperiness. The gingery heat on the tongue is balanced beautifully by a stimulating citric zestiness that keeps it all together. A surprising pinch of salt rounds it all out. Although the palate starts simple, ten years in barrels have not been wasted on Alberta Springs since it exhibits a developing complexity that is emphasized in the middle with notes of fresh-cut wood. This is a big whisky, and a bold one.

Finish:  Medium long. Peppery and spicy, with some lemony citric notes and a lingering sweetness. The pepper becomes more intense before fading out to a bitter citric zest.

Empty Glass:  Not much, but what is there includes sweet dry grain, hints of maple fudge, a dash of vanilla, and a hint of sour rye.

Alberta Distillers is probably best known for its Alberta Premium mixing whisky, a well-crafted 5-year old just bursting with caramel and hot pepper, and with a strong underlying citric zestiness.  But it is Alberta Springs that lights up the eyes of the folks at the distillery. Why? Alberta Springs is creamier, more flavourful, much more complex, and richer than the young Alberta Premium. Yes, Alberta Springs will mix with the best of them, but its creaminess, broad spice spectrum, hints of wood, and complexity make it one fine sipper as well.

$23.00 at LCBO.

Highly recommended ★★★★☆

Alberta Premium 25 year old is reviewed here.

Alberta Premium 30 year old Limited Edition is reviewed here.

Comments

20 Responses to “Alberta Springs aged 10 years (40% alc./vol.)”

  1. tim:
    October 20, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    This rye is commonly available in a 13 oz plastic bottle or a 26 oz glass bottle. When buying a whisky that I’ve never tasted before I like the option of buying a small size – but I do not like drinking liquor stored in plastic as the thought of what may leach out disturbs me…

    Alberta Springs is a fine well priced rye.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 21, 2010 at 3:26 pm

      Hi Tim,
      I have to say I am not a big fan of plastic bottles either, though more for esthetic reasons. I have never really looked into the possibility of leaching from PET.
      Davin

      Reply
  2. Tim N.:
    October 22, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I know from experience that spirits do not retain their original form after being in plastic for x number of years – esp if they are exposed to sunlight. I’ve poured the contents of old mini’s down the drain after taking a sniff and noting odours of deteriorating plastic.

    Here’s to distilleries that ONLY use glass!

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 24, 2010 at 2:09 am

      Yeah, I agree. It is not always the distillery’s choice though. In at least one market, plastic is required for “environmental” reasons for whiskies selling above a certain number of cases. I’ve never kept a plastic bottle long enough to notice the effects that you found with those plastic minis, but there’s another reason to think about going back to glass – “health” reasons.

      Reply
  3. Tim N:
    October 24, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Interesting that markets can dictate requirements of packaging. Plastic is not good for landfills though – if only everyone recycled!

    A couple pro’s for using plastic: significant reduction in weight which lowers distribution costs; significantly fewer broken bottles from cradle to grave, reports of 90% reduction in lost merchandise.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      October 24, 2010 at 5:18 pm

      Yes, some buyers exercise considerable clout. I have heard distillers (not just whisky) complaining that when they reach a certain sales volume they have to put their product in plastic for one specific market. I know the buyers mean well, but when have you ever bought a plastic bottle when you wanted to impress a client, host or guest?

      Reply
  4. james:
    October 29, 2010 at 12:38 am

    Buy the 26oz bottles then — always glass. Problem solved.

    Reply
  5. Jerry Munro:
    November 20, 2010 at 1:03 am

    Mostly, I have been a scotch drinker. Which I still love.
    But recently, being a Canadian, and becoming aware that there are some better Canadian Whiskies evolving out there, I have started sampling some of them.

    But next let me say, that my traditional way of drinking whiskey is 1 1/2 oz of whiskey with one ice cube. Which generally produces a lovely drink. For example, with Centennial Rye Whiskey too… an outstanding whiskey it turned out, much to my surprise.

    But I’ve got here in front of me this glass, my third dram, of Alberta Springs 10 yr. old. Outstanding. In my opinion, the first Canadian Whiskey I’ve encountered as good as a good scotch. (Though there are still superior to it single malt scotch whiskies.)

    But this Albera Springs 10 yr.old is soooo smooth, I’ve stopped drinking it with an ice cube… first time ever. It’s full bouquet and flavour stands better alone. And is still smooth as silk. No harshness.

    An outstanding Canadian sipping whiskey. The best I have encountered yet.

    I hope this evolution of Canadian Rye Whiskies continues. It is producing some exciting and interesting drinking experiences.

    Best yet… Alberta Springs 10 yr old. Move over Scotland, the Canadians are coming.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      November 20, 2010 at 1:53 pm

      Hi Jerry,
      Thanks for your comment. Clearly you “get it.” Yes, just like you I love Scotch, but you are right; there are quite a few really great Canadian whiskies out there as well. Alberta Springs is one of them, and there are many more.
      Davin

      Reply
  6. Andy Mac:
    December 25, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I agree with Mr. Munro. I’m 2nd gen. Canadian of Scottish descent and have sampled many fine Scottish whiskeys.
    I’d have to say Alberta Springs is the best. especially for the money. But I only buy the glass bottles. Funny thing is the make a large bottle as well 60 pounder is also plastic but the 26 and 40 are glass.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      December 25, 2010 at 12:36 pm

      Hi Andy,
      Yes, Alberta Premium is good whisky. I am not a fan of plastic bottles either. It creates the wrong image. Merry Christmas.
      Davin

      Reply
  7. Sean:
    January 24, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    By far my favourite Canadian Whiskey.

    Reply
  8. Glen:
    February 27, 2011 at 2:55 am

    I’m a big fan of Alberta Springs. I also like Tangle Ridge for a change. I’m wondering why there is no XO version of either of these. I’ve had Gibsons and Wisers 18yo. and they are very good, but I have to wonder how much better Alberta Springs would be if allowed to mature that long…

    Reply
    • Davin:
      February 27, 2011 at 4:17 am

      Things like this do come along every now and then. There was a 25 year old version of Alberta Springs a while back, but it’s long gone now. The next big thing will be the 30 year old Alberta Premium from Alberta Distillers coming late spring or early summer.

      Reply
  9. Lou:
    March 5, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    I had discovered Alberta Springs10 yr old a few years ago and suddenly it is no longer available at the LCBO in Eastern ON. Where can I find some?!?!?!

    Reply
  10. Drew:
    March 12, 2011 at 3:59 am

    Hi Davin,

    This review drew me to your site. Thank you.

    I am surprised however to see that a Canadian whisky aficionado like yourself doesn’t have a review up for Glen Breton Rare 10. It’s distilled in Nova Scotia and bills itself as North America’s first single malt. I recently got my hands on a bottle and found it to be a fine contribution to Canada’s whisky identity – but I’m no expert.

    Reply
    • Davin:
      March 12, 2011 at 4:13 am

      Hi Drew,
      Thanks for your comment. What a coincidence. I have 9 different Glen Breton versions open and am tasting them in various combinations. Look for a review of Battle of the Glen, my favourite, in the not too distant future.
      Davin

      Reply
      • Drew:
        March 12, 2011 at 6:32 pm

        Thanks Davin,

        That’s great news. I haven’t explored beyond the 10yo expression which I enjoyed. I was disappointed when I heard that Glenora Distillers contracts the malting process to an outside source instead of doing it themselves, but truth be told, outside of Nova Scotia it can be hard to find.

        Reply
  11. Derek Bracken:
    September 29, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Bought a 375ml of Alberta Springs,best whisky I ever had,sweet as a nut !!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

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