DEERFIELD, IL–(Marketwired – Apr 2, 2015) – Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ Whisky, from the renowned Alberta Distillers Ltd., launches today in the U.S. market. This critically acclaimed super-premium rye whisky features an incomparable rich color and complex flavor paired with remarkable smoothness and character.

Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky boasts flavors of honey and oak and imparts hints of vanilla, smoke, sweet oak and savory dried fruit, such as plum and blackcurrant, on the palate. Bottled at 90 proof and best enjoyed in a variety of whisky cocktails, Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky is challenging bartenders and consumers to rethink their rye and give cocktails a new interpretation.

“As the rye whisky category continues to grow, we’re thrilled to be able to introduce a new product to U.S. whisky lovers,” said Dan Tullio, Canadian Whisky Master Ambassador at Beam Suntory. “With Alberta Distillers’ rich heritage producing superior rye whisky, Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky combines contemporary flavor trends with classic notes of premium rye whisky, offering mixologists, spirits connoisseurs and whisky enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind whisky with a robust, sophisticated flavor.”

Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky features a blend of 91% rye whisky, 8% bourbon and 1% sherry to add layers of complexity in each bottle. The distinct rich color of the liquid comes from a combination of factors, including the aging process, which incorporates both new charred American white oak and once-used American bourbon barrels. Other contributing factors include the addition of a touch of sherry and Alberta, Canada’s high altitude, desert-like humidity levels and extreme seasonal and daily temperature changes, which promote maturation.

“Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky truly embodies the distinguished flavor whisky aficionados seek,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, award-winning author and whisky industry influencer. “The unique distillation process and grain bill of the rye sets it apart from other rye whiskies, in terms of flavor and quality.”

Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky is at its best in cocktails that highlight its distinctive flavor, such as the Rye Squeeze below, and can also be enjoyed neat.

Rye Squeeze

1 1/2 parts Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ Whisky

4-5 parts ginger beer

2 dashes Angostura® bitters

1 orange wedge pressed

METHOD: Add all ingredients to a lowball glass. Fill with ice, top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Prior to hitting shelves in the U.S., Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky quickly became an award-winning whisky with accolades from top international spirits competitions, including Chairman’s Trophy at the 2014 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Double Gold at the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and Gold & Best of Class — Canadian Whisky from Spirits of the Americas 2014.

Alberta Distillers Ltd., North America’s largest producer of 100% rye, carefully crafts Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky with glacial-borne water. The distillery, which has been in operation since 1946, was built in southern Alberta because the area’s dry climate and high altitude are ideal for rye crop growth.

For additional cocktail recipes and more information on Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky, which sells at a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 750ml bottle, please visit www.AlbertaRye.com.

About Alberta Distillers Ltd.

Alberta Distillers Ltd., based in Calgary, Alberta, is the largest producer of 100% rye whisky in North America. Owned by Beam Suntory Inc. since 1988, the distillery has produced quality whisky for nearly 70 years. The Alberta Premium brand, which has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur. The company generates annual worldwide sales exceeding $4 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visitwww.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ Canadian Blended Rye Whisky 45% alc/vol, ©2015 Alberta Distillers, LTD. Deerfield, IL

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