Alberta Dark Batch Rye is unique, it’s interesting, it’s tasty and probably most importantly it’s something that even our lax US TTB would never approve to be called a rye. Made from 91% Canadian rye (blend of a 12 year and a 6 year), 8% Bourbon (Old Grand-Dad) and 1% sherry. This isn’t just something wholly new to the category and the market it’s something that’s also exciting.
In Alberta Distiller’s Words: Alberta Dark Batch Rye
“After years of perfecting their craft, the master distillers at Alberta Distillers wanted to continue to push the rye envelope and come up with not just another rye whisky, but a better rye whisky.
And so, Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ was born. A true expression of the skilled craftsmen who have made rye whisky their passion for nearly 70 years.”
Alberta Dark Batch Rye is something that definitely needs to be experienced. I don’t want to get too deep into up here, that’s what the Alberta Dark Batch Rye review below is for, but this is a unique whisky and you shouldn’t pass any chance to give it a try.
Alberta Dark Batch Rye Info
Region: Canada
Distiller: Alberta Distillers
Mashbill: Unknown
Cask: ex-Bourbon & likely ex-sherry.
Age: NAS
ABV: 45%
Price: $30
Alberta Dark Batch Rye Review
EYE
Ruddy caramel
NOSE
Dilly rye, caramel, dark fruit, citrusy hop-like pop, brown sugar, light vanilla and a bit of tobacco. It’s pleasant, but it feels like it’s missing something.
PALATE
Hazelnut, rye spice, blackberry licorice, brown sugar, wood, dark fruit and a touch astringent and herbal. Same deal here. It’s pretty good, it just feels a bit like something is missing.
FINISH
Medium fade of rye spice, wood, dried dark fruit, raisiny sweetness
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good, medium, light syrup
OVERALL
Alberta Dark Batch Rye is a fun interesting rye with a decent amount of layers and complexity to it that go past its $30 price tag. The sweet and spicy aroma turns into a darker and sweeter palate with richer notes of spice and bits of earthy notes.
I bet if this whole mix of rye whiskey, sherry and Old-Grandad were left in a barrel to marry – ex-sherry or ex-OGD barrel… or both – for 6 months to a year it would be absolutely killer. Though even as is the Alberta Dark Batch Rye has become one of my favorite Canadian whiskies; though that’s not really too hard given our history.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)
