Alberta Premiun Whiskey

Alberta Premium Whisky is made in the standard Canadian way, via blending. The blending process consists of using a base whisky that is double distilled to about ~190 proof. The second whisky, or flavouring whisky, is single distilled to only 130 proof. Both distillates are aged in either new oak, or bourbon barrels, which held bourbon for no more than four years. They are then blended together and bottled. For Alberta Premium rye, the minimum age of the whisky is 5 years, however older whiskies may be also used to ensure that the product remains consistent. The Alberta Springs rye whisky uses the same process, but the minimum age of the whisky is 10 years Appearance: GoldenNose: The nose early on is dry with hints of rye. There isn’t a lot going on and the alcohol is even subdued. Aside from the rye, there are some very subtle floral notes. After a minute the rye become more apparent and some of the sweetness starts to come out. After 3 minutes the nose doesn’t change much. Unlike other Canadian whiskies, there isn’t that characteristic toffee aroma. Palate: On the tongue the rye is apparent and provides a good bite. A lot of the flavour happens on the back half of your tongue. There isn’t an exceptional amount of flavour in this whisky, but it does have rye characteristic and a slight sweetness that is pleasing. It is a very clean whisky. Over all the Alberta Premium is smooth with a good clean finish, with some warmth. With Water: with a little water the nose becomes a little sweeter and the rye less pronounced. Upon tasting the whisky, it becomes very smooth, but also dilutes out some of that rye bite. With the water a little more of the oak comes out. It still tastes like rye, but because it is a very smooth whisky to start, the water only makes it smoother. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you are looking for in a whisky.

Forty Creek Barrel Select

Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky
There are very few independent Canadian whisky distillers left, but Forty Creek is one of them, and a good one at that. The Forty Creek distillery is located between Toronto and Niagra Falls, Ontario. It is operated by John Hall who has been a wine producer for over 20 years, and to scratch an itch, he began making whisky in the early 1990's. When he started to think about making a whisky, he looked at it from the knowledge he already had and that was making wine. Mr. Hall likes to state that he follows tradition, but is not bound to it, which is great because it makes for a quality product. Tasting Notes:Nose: Quite to start with subtle floral hints and a slight sweetness. After a few minutes this whisky really opens up. Nose of dark fruits like plums and a sweetness that’s hard to place. Very nice though. Very smooth.Palette: Smooth start, with a fruitiness and a subtle attack from the wood and spice. Nice clean finish with a slight bite. Great balance between sweetness. With Water: A splash of water opens up the nose and showcases the Canadian vanilla and toffee nose. The floral hints are still present, but only in the background. The addition of water makes for an exceptionally smooth drink. The attack from the wood and spicy notes disappears, but the finish is still present and lingers gently for a few minutes