Alberta Premium vs Lot No. 40: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Alberta Premium vs Lot No. 40 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!

Alberta Premium Rye Whisky

Nose	Peppermint, baking spice, vanilla
Palate	Rye spice, caramel, baking spice, peppermint
Finish	Medium, rye spice, peppermint
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Canadian Club, Forty Creek

The nose is high in a peppermint bubble gum note at first followed, by cinnamon, nutmeg, along some vanilla note.

On the palate, Alberta Premium has a decent body as it does not feel as watery as the typical Canadian Whisky providing a good mouthfeel.

Flavor hits with moderate rye spice and caramel, giving way to cinnamon, nutmeg and peppermint, along the grassy note typical of rye whiskey.

The finish has a medium length, with smooth rye spice, along more peppermint and a dash of oak spice.

This whiskey is surprisingly good for its price, not earth-shattering or memorable, yet provides some complexity and some good flavors and an easy drinker providing a satisfying experience.

A good whiskey when in the mood for a smooth Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Alberta Premium facts:

• Made using an 100% rye mash bill.

• Produced at the Alberta Distillery in Calgary, Canada.

• Alberta Distillers is owned by Beam Suntory along Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark along other brands.

Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye

Nose	Grass, mint, clove, honey
Palate	Caramel, vanilla, spice, mint, grass
Finish	Long, spice, orange, rubber
Alcohol content	86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Bulleit Rye, Crown Royal

The nose hits with the grassy and minty notes typical of rye whiskey, along a bit of clove and honey.

On the palate, the Lot No. 40 has a medium body providing a decent mouthfeel. Flavor is smooth and sweet as it hits with a caramel/vanilla combo at first, followed by mint, cinnamon, cardamom and clove.

The finish lingers for longer than expected, with no warmth on the way down, with notes of orange, a bit of rye spice, oak spice and a bit of rubber.

The Lot No. 40 is a smooth and easy drinker, with no burn or off-putting notes. Drinks nicely by adding water, on the rocks, although I feel it lacks the rye spice punch and warmth to make tasty cocktails.

Lot No. 40 facts:

• This whiskey is 100% rye (90% Canadian rye and 10% malted rye).

• Distilled in a single 12,000 liter copper pot-still.

• Does not provide an age statement but is aged for around 3 years.

• Crafted at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario.

• The Hiram Walker Distillery is owned by Paris-based Pernod Ricard who holds big household names such as Glenlivet and Chivas Regal.

What do Alberta Premium and Lot No. 40 have in common?

These whiskies are 100% rye

Most of the rye whiskeys you know are “barely legal” as they are made from a mash comprised of just 51% rye which is the minimum required to be labeled as such.

Other whiskeys like the Bulleit Rye or Templeton Rye are made from a mash 95% making them more spicy.

What makes Alberta Premium and Lot No. 40 not only similar but uncommon is that they are made from a mash entirely made from rye.

Rye provides a distinctive spicy flavor, along notes of mint and grass and makes a better option than bourbon for cocktails as the spice makes cocktails more interesting.

Alberta Premium vs Lot No. 40: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Alberta Premium	$27
Lot No. 40	$40

Alberta Premium vs Lot No. 40: Which is better?

Lot No. 40 is a better sip

Whiskey	Alberta Premium	Lot No. 40
Nose	✅	✅
Body		✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish	✅	✅
Value	✅

• These Canadian whiskies are quite similar although the Lot No. 40 feels a bit more robust and tasty providing a better sip.

• Given the lofty price differential between the two I would prefer using the Alberta Premium to make smooth cocktails.

• Alberta Premium provides great value for the money, a smooth and sweet taste and a great option if you are curious about 100% rye whiskey.