Alberta Distillers Ltd., an award-winning leader in 100% prairie rye whisky, introduces two new limited-edition expressions, Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10 Year Old and Rare Batch Issue No. 2. The releases arrive in a milestone year for the Calgary distiller, which marks its 80th anniversary in 2026. Together, the new expressions capture Alberta Distillers Ltd.’s dedication to craft, with precision in production to strengthen the character of these products, and patience in aging.
The new limited-edition releases represent the latest chapter in Alberta Distillers Ltd.'s ongoing premium program - the Alberta Premium Cask Strength series and Rare Batch collection. Both series have helped raise expectations for Canadian-made rye, building a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts. That momentum comes from the distillers’ clear focus, paired with ongoing work in cask selection, aging, and blending to keep pushing the category forward. Now, each expression takes that same foundation in its own direction, one defined by age-stated cask strength intensity, the other shaped by long-aged depth and meticulous craft.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old: Distilled with local, prairie-grown rye grain and aged for a decade in charred oak casks, Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old is bottled at 67% ABV for a bold yet smooth tasting experience, with the added distinction of a 10-year age statement. Recently named Best Canadian Rye at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, the release also marks the first time Alberta Premium’s cask strength history includes a premium cork closure. Building on the distillery’s award-winning legacy - including industry acclaim for past Cask Strength editions - this award-winning expression exemplifies the innovation and precision that has earned Alberta Distillers Ltd. the reputation as one of the world’s foremost rye whisky producers. Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old is available now across Western Canada, launching in Ontario early spring at a suggested retail price of $74.95.
- Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Caramel, praline, espresso, and woody undertones
- Taste: Exceptionally smooth with layers of caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate, balanced by rye spice and sweet espresso
- Finish: Smooth, warm, and spicy
Rare Batch Issue No. 2: Aged 21 years and bottled at 50% ABV. More than 20 years ago, three distinct barrel types - Canadian Whisky, Bourbon Whisky, and New White Oak - were laid down in a rack-style warehouse in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With over two decades of aging 3,400 ft above sea level, the traditional maturation process of this whisky, combined with the dry Alberta air and chinook winds, which influenced a symphony of flavour profiles enriched with patience and devotion. Rare Batch Issue No. 2 appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and collectors seeking a distinctive experience. The premium Canadian whisky reflects precision, patience, and the enduring appeal of Canadian distilling. Rare Batch Issue No. 2 is available now across Western Canada, launching in Ontario late spring at a suggested retail price of $149.95.
- Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Notes of vanilla, dark molasses and touch of pepper
- Taste: Spicy with hints of caramel and oak
- Finish: Smooth and sweet
“Launching Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old alongside Rare Batch Issue No. 2 is a testament to Alberta Distillers Ltd.’s ability to capture the best of Canadian whisky, with precision in the build, refined flavour in the glass, and depth from time,” says Deepti Gurkar, Senior Director, National Marketing and Global Canadian Brands at Suntory Global Spirits. “Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old reflects the craftsmanship of our distillery team and the bold spirit of Canadian rye, while Rare Batch Issue No. 2 continues the series legacy as the whisky you reach for when you want something that feels special.”
Both the Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Rare Batch series have become hallmarks of the Canadian whisky category, earning international recognition and a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts. Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old carries that legacy forward with an award-winning age-stated, high-proof profile built for intensity and balance, while Rare Batch Issue No. 2, the second release in the Rare Batch series, showcases the distillery’s long-aged expertise, shaped by time in barrel and meticulous craft. Landing in the same release window, both reflect the standards that have defined Alberta Distillers Ltd. for decades, as 2026 emerges as a landmark year with the distiller celebrating 80 years of Canadian whisky-making.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
