The new limited-edition releases represent the latest chapter in Alberta Distillers Ltd.’s ongoing premium program: the Alberta Premium Cask Strength series and Rare Batch collection. Both series have helped raise expectations for Canadian-made rye, building a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts.

That momentum comes from the distillers’ clear focus, paired with ongoing work in cask selection, aging and blending to keep pushing the category forward. Now, each expression takes that same foundation in its own direction, one defined by age-stated cask strength intensity, the other shaped by long-aged depth and meticulous craft.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old

Distilled with local, prairie-grown rye grain and aged for a decade in charred oak casks, Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old is bottled at 67 per cent ABV for a bold, yet smooth tasting experience, with the added distinction of a 10-year age statement. Recently named Best Canadian Rye at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, the release also marks the first time Alberta Premium’s cask strength history includes a premium cork closure.

Building on the distillery’s award-winning legacy, including industry acclaim for past Cask Strength editions, this award-winning expression exemplifies the innovation and precision that has earned Alberta Distillers Ltd. the reputation as one of the world’s foremost rye whisky producers. Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old is available now across Western Canada, launching in Ontario early spring at a suggested retail price of $74.95.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Caramel, praline, espresso and woody undertones
Taste: Exceptionally smooth with layers of caramel, toffee and dark chocolate, balanced by rye spice and sweet espresso
Finish: Smooth, warm and spicy

Rare Batch Issue No. 2

Aged 21 years and bottled at 50 per cent ABV. More than 20 years ago, three distinct barrel types (Canadian Whisky, Bourbon Whisky and New White Oak) were laid down in a rack-style warehouse in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With over two decades of aging 3,400 ft above sea level, the traditional maturation process of this whisky, combined with the dry Alberta air and chinook winds, which influenced a symphony of flavour profiles enriched with patience and devotion.

Rare Batch Issue No. 2 appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and collectors seeking a distinctive experience. The premium Canadian whisky reflects precision, patience and the enduring appeal of Canadian distilling. Rare Batch Issue No. 2 is available now across Western Canada, launching in Ontario late spring at a suggested retail price of $149.95.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Notes of vanilla, dark molasses and touch of pepper
Taste: Spicy with hints of caramel and oak
Finish: Smooth and sweet

“Launching Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old alongside Rare Batch Issue No. 2 is a testament to Alberta Distillers Ltd.’s ability to capture the best of Canadian whisky, with precision in the build, refined flavour in the glass and depth from time,” said Deepti Gurkar, senior director, national marketing and global Canadian brands at Suntory Global Spirits. “Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old reflects the craftsmanship of our distillery team and the bold spirit of Canadian rye, while Rare Batch Issue No. 2 continues the series legacy as the whisky you reach for when you want something that feels special.”

Both the Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Rare Batch series have become hallmarks of the Canadian whisky category, earning international recognition and a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts. Alberta Premium Cask Strength 10-Year-Old carries that legacy forward with an award-winning, age-stated, high-proof profile built for intensity and balance, while Rare Batch Issue No. 2, the second release in the Rare Batch series, showcases the distillery’s long-aged expertise, shaped by time in barrel and meticulous craft.

Landing in the same release window, both reflect the standards that have defined Alberta Distillers Ltd. for decades, as 2026 emerges as a landmark year with the distiller celebrating 80 years of Canadian whisky-making.

Capturing the best of Collective Arts’ brews in one festive box, the Beer & Cocktail Calendar features an array of craft beers, limited-edition brews, ready-to-drink cocktails and exclusive small-batch releases from Collective Arts’ innovation hub at Cambridge’s Gaslight District.

For those looking to skip the alcohol this season, Collective Arts is also offering a Zero Proof Calendar, featuring an extensive selection of their non-alcoholic craft beer, zero proof cocktails, energy drinks, Botany Fruit Infused Sparkling Waters and Botany Adaptogenic Elixirs. The Zero Proof Calendar will also include four drinks from an innovative new line of beverages set to launch later this month.

Each calendar contains 24 full-sized Collective Arts beverages, packaged in a custom-designed box by Art Club Mary, whose artwork was previously featured on a can for Collective Arts’ Creatively Canadian lager series.

A limited quantity of calendars are available for pre-order on the Collective Arts website.

“A collaboration like no other, pairing the Pinot obsessed Stoneboat Vineyards exclusive Pinotage with a single barrel of desert-aged is an exceptional highlight for the south Okanagan wine region and tribute to what this area can produce,” said Glen Neamh Whisky Co. founder, Jamie Crain.

The second drop of this south Okanagan wine and whisky project took place on June 6.

“Stoneboat is a winery with a history of collaboration, partnering with wineries, grape growers and the south Okanagan community to produce handcrafted wines. In the south Okanagan, a region of hard work and strong community spirit, there is no other way,” said Andrew Young, general manager of Stoneboat Vineyards. “So, when Glen Neamh Whisky Co. approached us, we were excited to say the least. We appreciate the whisky they make, but [just] as significantly, we appreciate their quality-focused process. They have demonstrated a commitment to delivering whisky of the highest quality, while celebrating the unique spirit of our home.”

After years of relationship building and research, Land & Sea Brewing’s then head brewer (now brewery operations consultant), Tessa Gabiniewicz, spearheaded the brewery’s procurement of custom-made foeders from the only Canadian company making them. The foeders’ new home on Vancouver Island is the furthest west the Prince Edward Island company, New World Foeders, has ever supplied.

The process of sourcing the foeders required customized specifications. Gabiniewicz leveraged her significant brewing and flavour profile experience to ensure they have been crafted with a bespoke West Coast spin – from the volume and type of wood used to the level of toasting the wood receives before construction and the design of specific recipes that will be enhanced by this method.

Each foeder contributes flavour to beers put inside the vessel, as the porous nature of the wood draws qualities from its surroundings, reacting to changes in temperature, humidity and light, as well as the salty air unique to the Comox region. As a result, those who come in to try the foeder-brewed beers will enjoy the truest “taste of Comox” in a beer available.

“What’s neat about having the foeders made here in Canada is that they are made from Canadian oak and will truly express the terroir of our regions,” said Gabiniewicz.

The two barrels will then be inoculated with specific brews. Land & Sea will experiment with the results of aging beer in wood through the foeder method similar to aging fine wine and whisky. The inaugural beer will be a true cross-Canada island-to-island experience, in appreciation for the P.E.I.-based company that inspired Land & Sea’s interest in bringing these unique vessels out west. Gabiniewicz travelled to the small Maritime province, sourcing from the best P.E.I. hop and grain suppliers to curate a craft beer that showcases the province’s exceptional ingredients and community spirit.

Beyond the innovation behind each brew, the addition of the wooden foeders – uniquely secured horizontally, above Land & Sea’s stainless steel brewing tanks in its open and airy venue – will draw the eye of curious patrons appreciative of brewing tradition and Canadian craftsmanship.

Land & Sea anticipates the release of four to six foeder-aged beers per year, with limited quantities of each available in-house exclusively.

Available in limited quantities for pre-order for $28.88 per bottle, Haywire Lunar Red is for wine lovers and cultural celebrants alike, as they enjoy the festivities marking the start of the Year of the Snake on Jan. 29.

In keeping with Haywire’s commitment to community and cultural engagement, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this special edition wine will be donated to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to revitalizing Vancouver’s iconic Chinatown and creating a more resilient, inclusive community through projects focused on affordable housing, cultural preservation and economic development.

“The return of Haywire Lunar Red is particularly meaningful to us, as it celebrates the cultural diversity of our province and encourages greater understanding of traditions beyond our own,” said Christine Coletta, founder of Haywire Winery. “This year’s release has a richer style that pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods.”

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine has an intense nose, with notes of dark cherry, black licorice, leather and a subtle earthy component. It is medium-bodied on the palate, balanced with chalky tannins, stewed fruits, a hint of cherry cola, fennel and dark cocoa fill the flavour profile. The finish is lengthy with bright lifting acidity. For pairing, best matches include ginger beef, smoky sauces, dark soy, Szechuan and wok-seared vegetables.