Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:20 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Alberta Premium and Forty Creek in this detailed comparison and determine which Canadian Whisky suits you best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Alberta Premium vs Forty Creek: Comparison
Alberta Premium Rye: Delivers an affordable, mint-infused complexity, making it an intriguing choice for 100% rye whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike.
Forty Creek Canadian Whisky: Offers a harmonious blend of vanilla, fruit, and spice, suitable for those seeking a gentle yet flavorful whisky experience.
Verdict: Alberta Premium Rye shines with its unique minty profile and versatility, while Forty Creek Canadian Whisky appeals with its smoothness and subtle sweetness, catering to different preferences within the whisky spectrum, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Recommended Cheap Canadian Whisky
Alberta Premium Rye: A Surprisingly Complex Rye at a Great Price

- Nose: Peppermint, baking spice, vanilla
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, baking spice, peppermint
- Finish: Medium, rye spice, peppermint
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Similar to: Crown Royal
Nose: This rye whiskey greets you with an unexpected aroma of peppermint bubble gum, followed by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a subtle touch of vanilla.
Taste: Alberta Premium has a pleasant body, feeling smooth on the palate. Expect moderate rye spice and caramel flavors, joined by hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cooling peppermint typical of rye whiskies. A subtle grassy note adds another layer of complexity.
Finish: The finish is moderately long, lingering with smooth rye spice, a touch of peppermint, and a hint of oak, leaving a pleasant and satisfying sensation.
A Great Value Rye:
While not the most complex rye out there, Alberta Premium stands out for its affordability compared to other 100% rye whiskeys.
Despite its high rye content, the spice level is moderate, making it enjoyable to sip neat or use in cocktails.
This rye offers a surprising range of flavors for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious whiskey drinkers looking for a complex and enjoyable experience.
Additional Info:
- Made with 100% rye grain.
- Produced at the Alberta Distillery in Calgary, Canada, by Beam Suntory.
Forty Creek Canadian Whisky: A Straightforward Sipper

- Nose: Vanilla, citrus zest, plum, toasted oak, alcohol
- Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit, rye spice, almond
- Finish: Honey, black pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Nose: Think warm vanilla, citrus peel, and ripe plum, with a touch of oak and a hint of alcohol for a well-rounded aroma.
Palate: This whisky boasts a pleasant body, feeling smooth and satisfying on the tongue. Expect sweet notes of vanilla and fruit, balanced by a touch of rye spice and a hint of almond.
Finish: Forty Creek lingers surprisingly long on the palate, offering subtle honey, orange, and black pepper notes while leaving a slightly dry sensation.
Overall: This whisky goes beyond what you might expect from a standard offering. It’s easy to drink, with minimal burn and no unpleasant flavors.
Key Points:
- Smooth and sweet with hints of vanilla, fruit, rye spice, and almond.
- Pleasantly long finish with honey, orange, and black pepper notes.
- Lacks complexity for cocktails but shines as a smooth and easy-drinking sipper.
- Great value for the price.
Additional Info:
- Made from a blend of rye, barley, and corn whiskies aged 6-10 years.
- Finished in ex-sherry casks for added depth.
- Produced by Forty Creek Distillery in Grimsby, Canada (owned by Campari).
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Alberta Premium | $27 |
| Forty Creek | $22 |
