Alberta Distillers Ltd. is marking their 80th anniversary this year and has just released two limited-edition Canadian whiskies now available across Western Canada, highlighting decades of expertise in crafting prairie rye whisky.
The Calgary-based distiller introduces Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10 Year Old alongside Rare Batch Issue No. 2 21 Year Canadian Whisky, two expressions developed through careful grain selection, barrel management, and extended aging programs designed to showcase different dimensions of Canadian rye whisky.
The releases continue the distillery’s premium programs through the Alberta Premium Cask Strength series and Rare Batch collection, both of which have attracted strong interest among whisky drinkers seeking Canadian-made rye with depth and character. Each new release builds on that foundation through distinct aging and blending approaches, offering different experiences depending on the occasion.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10 Year Old uses prairie-grown rye distilled and matured in charred oak casks for a full decade before bottling at 67 percent ABV. The whisky recently earned recognition as Best Canadian Rye at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, marking another milestone for the Alberta Premium portfolio. The release also introduces a cork closure for the first time within the cask strength series.
Aromas reveal caramel, praline, espresso, and woody undertones, followed by a palate combining caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate balanced by rye spice and espresso notes. The finish remains warm and spicy while maintaining balance despite the higher proof. The bottle is now available throughout Western Canada at a suggested retail price of $74.95, with Ontario availability arriving soon.
The second release, Rare Batch Issue No. 2 21 Year Canadian Whisky, reflects long-term barrel aging and blending precision. More than two decades ago, Canadian whisky, bourbon, and new white oak barrels were stored in rack warehouses near the Rocky Mountain foothills, where dry Alberta air and chinook winds influenced maturation. The whisky is bottled at 50 percent ABV and released in limited quantities.
Tasting notes reveal aromas of vanilla, dark molasses, and light pepper, while the palate offers spice with hints of caramel and oak before finishing smooth and sweet. Rare Batch Issue No. 2 is currently available in Western Canada at a suggested retail price of $149.95, with Ontario distribution planned later this year.
Both expressions highlight Alberta Distillers Ltd.’s long-standing focus on rye whisky production while offering bottles suited to different drinking moments, whether enjoyed neat after dinner or shared during tastings among friends. Western Canadian whisky enthusiasts can now find both releases through select retailers as the distillery celebrates a milestone year in Canadian whisky production.