CALGARY – Alberta Distillers Ltd. (Alberta Distillers) is proud to announce the launch of Reifel Rye, a high rye whisky innovation steeped in history with a flavour profile that pays homage to the best ingredients Canada has to offer. Hitting shelves across the country this fall, Reifel Rye is poised to disrupt the growing Canadian whisky category with its local grain complexity, deep character, and unexpected depth.
Bearing the legendary name of George H. Reifel, Alberta Distillers’ Distilling Pioneer who laid the foundations of the distillery more than 75 years ago, Reifel Rye has been meticulously crafted to meet and exceed the exacting standards that George was widely known for, including the use of local ingredients, the curation of extraordinary flavour and a relentless adventurous spirit – all characteristics that define the distillery to this day.
An explorer by nature, George had a genuine love for the distillery, and the world beyond, often surveying Western Canada’s lakes, mountains, valleys, and wildlife. It is this curiosity and respect for Canada’s natural abundance that live at the heart of Reifel Rye, a spirit that is crafted from Canadian prairie rye, 100% pot distilled and aged in new charred white oak and ex-bourbon barrels with more than 90% rye grain, imbuing the liquid with rye’s signature complexity and spice. Widely considered an underdog grain, rye is notoriously challenging to distill, however with Alberta Distillers’ world renown rye expertise, the hard work pays off with this wonderfully unique whisky that boasts mouth-watering notes of toffee, banana bread, chocolate, poached pear, and crème brûlée, rightfully earning the moniker: Feast of a Whisky™.
“Reifel Rye is truly a masterpiece worthy of its name and distillery. It is as distinctive as Canada itself, with notes that are unique to any other spirit distilled at Alberta Distillers. I truly think whisky novices and connoisseurs alike will be impressed with its aromas, spiciness, and all-around tasting experience, as it’s unlike anything produced before,” shares George Teichroeb, Alberta Distillers Plant General Manager.
“The astonishingly rich flavours of Reifel Rye demonstrate why Alberta Distillers is one of the best distillers of rye whisky globally. Canadian distillers know how difficult rye grain is to work with, and how much whisky lovers revere the spicy flavours of rye done right. By happy chance, one of the founding members at Alberta Distillers – George H. Reifel – cracked the code on all that, which laid the foundation of this truly sensational whisky,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, founder, author, and whisky reviewer of the Canadian Whisky Awards.
“We cannot wait for Canadians to taste Reifel Rye. As a rich rye whisky, Reifel Rye is a true sipping experience that can be enjoyed by itself or in a cocktail. With a beautifully complex flavour profile, this rye whisky is the perfect pair to your favourite dessert this fall,” said Patrick Sweeney, Managing Director of BEAM Suntory.
A high-rye whisky means that there is more rye in the mash bill compared to a standard rye whisky. Although there is no formal definition of high-rye at ADL, ADL considers a true high-rye whisky a whisky that has more than 80% rye in the mash bill. The already award-winning spirit has received international accolades including Gold at the SIP Awards 2022 and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2022.
Tasting Notes
- Colour: Amber gold
- Aroma: Banana bread, notes of burnt sugar, caramel, and pudding
- Taste: Notes of toffee, vanilla, and crème brûlée, balanced with warm pear and dark chocolate
- Finish: Warm and lingering
Cocktail Recommendations
Reifel On The Rockies
- 2 oz. Reifel Rye
- Ice
Pour into rocks glass over ice.
The Reifel Sour
- 1 part Reifel Rye
- 0.5 parts Simple Syrup
- 1 part Orange Juice
- 0.5 parts Lemon Juice
- 0.5 parts Red Wine
- Orange twist garnish
Shake all but red wine with ice for 15 seconds. Fine strain into a chilled rocks glass. Layer red wine on top and garnish with orange twist.
To learn more about Reifel Rye, visit ReifelRye.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. To explore the world of rye whisky, win prizes, and test your ‘Rye-Q,’ visit RyeWhiskyAcademy.com.
Reifel Rye™, Blended Canadian Rye Whisky, 42% alc./vol., ©2022 Alberta Distillers, LTD.
For high-res photography, click here. Media requests can be directed to:
Kim Banjac | kim@praxispr.ca
Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100 per cent Canadian rye whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for over 50 years. The Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin, and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith and Roku gin, and Midori liqueur.
