April Spirits
Last month, we covered an assortment of European spirits - but wanted to bring things home for April with local spirits (and the weather was telling us that whisky might be the way to go!). And it was hard to narrow it down to only a few. Alberta-made whisky has come a long way over the last few years and it warms our heart (maybe it’s the whisky speaking) that there are so many beautiful examples to share. If you are out and about, these distilleries are absolutely worth a visit.
Wild Life King Of The North Peated Maple Rye Whisky, Alberta
Be quick for this one! Only 300 bottles were made, and a few are available at time of writing, but don’t dally! The first in the WLD Cask Series, it’s an absolute stunner; no surprise it’s been awarded Rye Whisky of the Year at the Canadian Whisky Awards. Distilled from single farm Alberta rye, this whisky was aged for four years in a barrel that had held peated single malt whisky and Canadian maple syrup, resulting in a gloriously smooth, and soft whisky, with a hint of maple syrup and a whisper of peat on the finish. Beautiful!
Distillery only $179
Two Rivers Single Malt Whisky, Alberta
Highly enjoyable from the very first sniff to the final sip. Made with locally sourced barley, and aged in bourbon casks, things come alive with light cereal aromas, citrus, and brown sugar on the nose. Slightly saline on the palate with a mild nuttiness, but intense roasted flavours, leather, and a bit of spice too. Bottled at 40 percent, so best neat, or if desired, just a smidge of water to taste.
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$95 at the Distillery and select retailers
Bridgeland Distillery “Glenbow” Canadian Single Malt Whisky, Alberta
It’s a real treat seeing that pride of place emerging in Alberta especially for things like beer and spirits. Bridgeland, one of the leading lights in Alberta distilling will proudly tell you of the local barley, the local malting, and the incredible water that goes into this wonderful dram. Slightly spicy on the palate with toffee, and rich cereal flavours, this is exceptionally smooth and absolutely worth having.
CSPC 873908 About $80
Alberta Premium Rare Batch No. 2 21 Year Old Canadian Whisky, Alberta
Another treat for the senses, this time a 21 year old Canadian whisky, aged in bourbon barrels, Canadian whisky barrels, along with some new, white oak barrels too. So complex on the palate, and showing off slightly sweet aromas of sugar, vanilla, and almost rum like scents. The alcohol is 50 percent ABV which really lets more subtle flavours cross the palate. Very, very enjoyable, and best neat or with the bare minimum of water to soften to your preference.
CSPC 135267 Around $75-80
Eau Claire Distillery Ploughman’s Single Malt Canadian Whisky, Alberta
The pinnacle of Eau Claire’s whisky releases to date, this is their second whisky bearing the Ploughman’s name. Inside the sturdy, open-face box, is an impressive, and super heavy bottle, with an antique copper-finish medallion and feature punt depicting Mount Rae, the whisky’s water source. Ploughman’s is finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, that reveal themselves in sweet aromas of cocoa nibs, raisins, and a little toasty oak. Revel in the long, honeyed finish with touches of cherry and roast walnuts – it’s a hug in a glass.
At the Distillery or online
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Alberta Premium Ten Year Old Cask Strength Rye Whisky, Alberta
Love a good rye? You should! Rife with spicy aromas evoking pepper and roasted nuts, with a little fire too over brown sugar and toast. It is a bit fiery on the palate at 67 percent ABV, and neat there is plenty to excite the mouth with those spicy rye flavours. With a fair splash of water, those earthy and roasted coffee bean flavours emerge. A fine rye for those shoulder season days.
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CSPC 134972 About $160-175