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Highlights

Over the years, it has been a privilege to explore and review various collections and annual releases from certain distilleries. These experiences often lead to revisiting detailed notes or recorded impressions whenever a new release in a series is introduced. Recognizing the value of these insights, this compilation has been created to provide easy reference for others who may share the same interest. Cheers!

Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye

Beginning in 2019, one of the largest producers of Rye worldwide, began to release their Rye at Cask Strength. They have been putting a new batch out since every year! These bottles have appeared on the channel multiple times, but here are some links highlighting their character and a bit of their differences.

– 2019 – Batch 01 65.1% abv – YouTube Link (Review – BEFORE the craze!)
– 2021 – Batch 02 66.0% abv – YouTube Link (Blind comparison with 01)
– 2022 – Batch 03 63.7% abv – YouTube Link (Review – quick Comparison with 01)
– 2023 – Batch 04 63.5% abv – YouTube Link (Review – quick Comparison with 01)
– 2024 – Batch 05 64.2% abv – YouTube Link (Review – quick Comparison with 01)

Lot No 40 Rye

Lot No 40 Rye came out in 1998, but the first bottle I ever tasted was from their 2012 release. That contained 95% unmalted Rye and 5% malted Rye. They have now changed to 100% unmalted Rye and have been releasing different versions based on abv strength, casking type, and age. They have also experimented with different Rye types like Brasetto Rye. Hiram-Walker is a massive distillery, but in no small part due to Dr. Don LIvermore’s approachability and openness, somehow this release still feels craft and local.

  • 2017 – Cask Strength Batch 01 (2017) – 12 Year 55% abv – YouTube Link (First Opening of Lot 40 Rye on the Channel and it was the 12!)
  • 2017 – Lot 40 Older release (5%malted) Rye vs Crown Royal Northern Harvest – YouTube Link (Comparison review)
  • 2019 – Lot 40 Regular release (100% unmalted) 43% abv – YouTube Link (First review of regular Lot 40 Rye)
  • 2019 – Cask Strength Batch 02 (2018) – 11 year 58.4% abv – YouTube Link (Review – quick Comparison with 01)
  • 2021 – Lot 40 Dark Oak 48% abv – YouTube Link (Review – quick Comparison with regular release)
  • 2021 – Rye Explorations 01 – Peated Quarter Cask – YouTube Link (Opening and first thoughts)
  • 2023 – Cask Strength Batch 03 (2019) – NAS 57% – YouTube Link (Review – Comparison with AP Batch 01)
  • 2023 – Rye Explorations 02 – Port Cask Finish – YouTube Link (Opening – Comparison with Milam & Greene Rye)