Alberta Premium Canadian Rye Whiskey
Alberta Premium Canadian Rye Whiskey is an 80 proof (40% ABV), 750mL Canadian whisky distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye grain at Alberta Distillers in Calgary — one of the few remaining all-rye distilleries in North America. The brand claims a minimum of five years in new charred oak, ex-bourbon, and once-used bourbon barrels (no age statement appears on the label), and it was named Canadian Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible five times: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2021. A true 100% rye at a daily-drinker price. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Grain: 100% Canadian prairie rye, unmalted
- Aging: minimum 5 years claimed (no age statement on label); new charred oak, ex-bourbon, and once-used bourbon barrels
- Distillery: Alberta Distillers Ltd., Calgary, Alberta — est. 1946; owned by Suntory Global Spirits
- Production: hammer-milled to flour, proprietary enzyme cook, fermented, distilled via continuous + pot still; glacier-fed Rocky Mountain spring water
- Awards: Canadian Whisky of the Year, Jim Murray's Whisky Bible — 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2021
The 100% Rye from Calgary
Alberta Premium was introduced in 1958 by Alberta Distillers (founded 1946), and it has stayed true to its original identity: unmalted prairie rye, hammer-milled to flour, cooked with a proprietary enzyme, and distilled through both continuous and pot stills — the two streams blended to make the final whisky. The distillery sits in Calgary, Alberta, drawing glacier-fed Rocky Mountain spring water, and is now owned by Suntory Global Spirits. One note for the detail-minded: the brand's "100% rye grain whisky" claim is the official line; sources confirm the blended-rye-whisky labeling but do not verify the sometimes-repeated "neutral grain spirit" blending claim, so no such claim is made here.
Tasting Notes
Official brand copy (via retailers) describes a rich gold color with aromas of banana, toffee, and light spice; a flavor that is mellow and smoky; and a finish of vanilla and spice. The unmalted rye gives it a gentler spice profile than an American straight rye — more toffee-and-banana than pepper-and-dill — which is exactly why it works as an everyday pour and a cocktail base.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash, it is an easy-drinking rye; in cocktails it makes a superb Manhattan or Old Fashioned — the toffee notes play beautifully with bitters. Browse the rest of the rye whiskey shelf and the Alberta Premium range to compare it against American ryes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alberta Premium 100% rye? Yes — it is distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye grain, per the brand.
How old is Alberta Premium? The brand claims a minimum of five years, though no age statement appears on the bottle label.
Who owns Alberta Distillers? Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory).
Five-time Canadian Whisky of the Year, under an easy price — add Alberta Premium to your Del Mesa Liquor order now.