In our continued efforts to keep branching out and not just review whisky – let’s review a whisky. This time however it’s a Canadian whisky which is at least outside our common wheelhouse. In fact we’ve only done a few Canadian whiskies most notably Canadian Mist which sadly proved rather mediocre.
This time it should be different. I mean the price is wildly different, and it’s all fancy looking with a crown on it and a pretty bottle. Sadly though this has all the trappings of the old English crown in that there are certain things about it that are great, some that aren’t – but for the most part you just don’t really feel the need for it in this day and age.
What they Say: “A blend of distinct, full bodied Canadian whiskies matured to perfection in white oak barrels. Crown Royal was first created to celebrate the King and Queen of England’s visit to Canada in 1939. Crown Royal’s perfectly blended whisky has become the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky.”
Taste: 6.0 – It actually continues the same trend as it’s aroma with that mellowed flavor reminiscent of a cognac. It’s great tasting, but I’m not sure if this is what I want my whisky to taste like.
Aftertaste: 5.0 – Here there’s a sharp but short uptake to remind you this is whisky, but it and any lingering flavor are short lived.
Burn/Smooth: 8.5 – Certainly goes down as one of the smoother whiskies I’ve had.
Aroma: 7.0 – It has a very smooth smell, like a good aged rum or cognac. Very nice.
Honesty: 6.5 – The English royals mentioned (in line with the name) plus it’s rather regal look, and daresay taste – does make it a very gentlemanly whisky. In fact if not for the notion that the blend is called ‘perfection’ I’d have no bone to pick, but while this might be perfect to some Canadian – the scotch and bourbon boy I am says this is not close to what I want a perfect blend of whiskey to be.
Mixability: 5.0
W/ Rocks: 5.0 – Here it’s much the same, but oddly different than having it neat. Still not really preferable though.
Value: 5.0 – Weirdly enough I’m not a fan of this price for this, as I’d be more likely to get either Old Monk or Private Stock rum for the same sort of taste, but at a lower cost.
Google Shop Average: $30
Website: http://www.crownroyal.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.0
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Metric Score: 43/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.14 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.0
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Final Thoughts: While this is for sure one of the better Canadian whiskies I’ve had – I’ve yet to be sold on them as a whole (aside from using their Rye-styled whiskies in Old Fashioned’s), and I feel like maybe other version of Crown Royal might either be better at what this is trying to be, or maybe just a better whisky.
