Aged in Charred Oak Casks

Hidden in a low key industrial area in Calgary’s Bonnybrook-Alyth area in the city’s southeast is the largest distiller in the province. This is a heritage site in Calgary; the spot where the province’s first and oldest distillery was built on land that was once grain fields back in 1946. Alberta Distillers is known for its Premium liquors distilled right here in Calgary, and the brand’s newest product is Alberta through and through.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye is aged in charred oak casks and completely undiluted. It’s now available at select Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer stores.

“Alberta Premium’s craft approach to its Cask Strength expression is highlighted in its exceptionally smooth taste,” says Simon Mooney, Key Accounts Manager at Beam Suntory Canada, the company that owns Alberta Distillers. “Uncut and drawn straight from the barrel, Alberta Premium’s first Cask Strength marque features notes of caramel, vanilla and a hint of chocolate, balanced with black current and spice.”  

“Cask Strength speaks to Alberta Premium’s honed expertise in barrelling, with an industry-leading understanding of how individual barrels can influence a spirit’s profile,” according to Deepti Gurkar, Senior Brand Manager, Beam Suntory Canada. “We anticipate Alberta Premium fans and whisky aficionados alike will appreciate the quality we are bringing to the shelves at exceptional price points.” 

Alberta Distillers has grown significantly since the 1940’s and today the company produces spirits like Alberta Premium Rye, Alberta Springs Rye whisky, Alberta Pure and Banff Ice vodkas and more (including a new artisanal vodka, called Northern Keep – launching in Co-op stores for Canada Day), and their products are found at Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer stores. 

Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100% Canadian Rye Whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for almost 75years after the brand was conceived by oil magnate Frank McMahon, who was dubbed, “the man who did the most to open up northwest Canada's wilderness—and convince oilmen of its treasures,” in a 1957 TIME magazine article.  Thanks to that rich history, the Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality. 

“Our relationship with Co-op Spirits Wine Beer continues to be strong and we like to make sure Co-op carries these special products for us,” Mooney shares. “I think we both realize the importance of the “Made Local” concept. Co-op is an integral part of the Calgary community and so is Alberta Distillers; we both strive to serve the community and its people and provide the best of what we do.”