RYE DOMINANT WHISKIES/RYE WHISKY

A category that can be difficult to judge (it’s hard on the palate), but also one of the more interesting and diverse - mostly because smaller distillers have really dialled in what they want to achieve in the finished product. Between the layers of fruit, baking spice notes, and delicate use of oak, I was really impressed with how all the entrants produced well balanced whiskies. Rye-based spirits in Alberta have a lot of pressure as we are known for our excellent grain rye, and I predict an already quality category just getting better. Tara Smith