Crown Royal is the face of Canadian whisky. The most popular on the American market, and with some slick branding, it makes a big impression on the liquor shop shelves. Crown Royal whisky is prepared from a blend of excellent Canadian whiskies matured in charred oak barrels for at least three years. These barrels are comprised of white oak, which gives the whisky a mild smoky flavor as it ages.
Notably, Crown Royal whiskies have a distinct flavor due to the grains used in their manufacturing, which include barley, rye, and maize. These grain kinds are carefully selected for their traits and combined to create Crown Royal’s iconic flavor.
This article will examine why crown royal is one of the best whiskeys you will ever, how it’s made, and give tips on how to drink your crown royal whiskey.
Crown Royal Whiskey – History
This whiskey was produced in honor of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1939. A reigning king had never before visited Canada. They arrived by boat and then traveled across North America on the railway. The whiskey was created by Samuel Bronfman, president of The House of Seagram, as an incredibly kind business gift for the Royal couple. The royal train was filled with ten cases of the royal blend, and word of the peerless whiskey fit for a king spread swiftly.
Until the 1960s, the whiskey was only available in Canada before being introduced to worldwide markets. It has since become a top-selling Canadian whiskey.
Crown Royal Whiskey – Variations
Crown Whiskey creates various blended whiskeys, each with the precisely honed skill that has become synonymous with Canadian whiskey blenders. Crown Royal Whiskey comes in a variety of flavors, including:
- Crown Royal Reserve- Crown Royal Reserve achieves great depth because of its body and flavor. The result is a creamy, rich reserve-grade mix with top rye notes of clove and cinnamon.
- Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye- For a truly remarkable Canadian whiskey, this version combines the distinct flavor of Canadian rye grain with the recognizable smoothness of Crown Royal.
- Crown Royal Deluxe- This is the most widely accessible expression and the gold standard for Canadian whiskey. It’s an exceptional combination of 50 full-bodied Canadian whiskeys that are then aged until they’re deemed acceptable.
- Crown Royal Blender’s Mash- This version highlights the popular corn-heavy whiskeys’ warm vanilla and faint oaky flavors. Its well-known silky finish allows the whiskey to stand alone.
- Crown Royal XO- This sophisticated whiskey is a smooth representation of a delectably balanced complex with notes of vanilla, spice, and rich dry fruit.
- Crown Royal XR- This unique handcrafted one-of-a-kind mix combines dried fruits and honey in a beautiful balance with spicy Canadian rye aromas, culminating with a delightful, round taste of raisins, cocoa, and brown sugar.
The Rise of Popularity
Crown Royal had become one of the best-selling whiskies in North America by the late 1950s, thanks to its smooth taste and distinctive branding. It was also one of the first spirits from Canada to be exported to other countries, including Japan and Australia.
Additionally, Crown Royal gradually produced variations on their original blend, such as flavored whiskies like apple, maple, and honey, and limited edition bottles for special occasions like holidays or important sporting events like NASCAR racing or NFL football games. Because of these advances, Crown Royal has been at the forefront of Canadian whisky production for years.
How is Crown Royal Whiskey made?
Crown Royal requires 10,000 bushels of corn (64%), rye (31.5%), and barley (4.5%) every day for production. All of these items are sourced from Manitoba and neighboring provinces. 750 000 imperial gallons of water naturally filtered via the limestone beneath the lake. The alcohol is matured for at least three years in wood barrels.
Around 76 distillery staff work around the clock to aid with distilling, aging, blending, and administering the distillery. They follow in the footsteps of previous generations of Crown Royals. Years later, every drop of Crown Royal is manufactured to the same exacting standards, making it the best whiskey of all time.
Why is Crown Royal one of the best whiskies?
Crown Royal has mild vanilla and caramel aromas on the scent. It does not have the alcoholic burn that many whiskies do; it has a smooth and refined fragrance with overtones of pound cake and lemon zest. Chocolate and dark fruit notes emerge with a splash of chilled water.
Also, Crown Royal whisky has a medium body and enough mouthfeel to appreciate, but it’s also light enough to combine.
A modest sherried sweetness is present on the palate, with vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and a pleasant oakiness rounding out the taste profile before a rye spiciness flows across the palate. Crown Royal delivers a pleasant, sipping whisky with just the proper bite. Crown is a lovely Canadian whiskey, and it’s easy to see why Crown drinkers are loyal.
Mixing Up the Perfect Crown Royal Cocktails
1. The Old Fashioned
A legendary cocktail from the 1800s, the Old Fashioned. Pour 2 oz of Crown Royal whiskey into an Old-Fashioned glass over ice cubes to prepare it with Crown Royal. One teaspoon simple syrup or two teaspoons Demerara syrup, two dashes Angostura bitters, and one dash orange bitter are recommended. If preferred, garnish your drink with a lemon twist or orange peel.
2. The Manhattan
The Manhattan is one of America’s most recognizable cocktails. Prepare it using Crown Royal. Blend 1 12 oz whiskey, two dashes of Angostura bitters, and 34 oz sweet vermouth in a mixing glass over ice. Stir thoroughly before straining into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish your cocktail with a sugar-coated orange peel or cherry and some brandied cherries on the side, if desired.
3. The Canadian Mule
The Canadian Mule is last but not least! This delightful take on the traditional Moscow Mule combines Crown Royal Whisky with ginger beer to produce an unforgettable flavor experience! Fill a copper mug (or rocks glass) halfway with ice cubes, then add 12 oz of Crown Royal whisky and 6 oz of ginger beer and gently swirl until combined. Finally, before serving, garnish your drink with fresh lime wedges!
Bottomline
Crown Royal has risen to the ranks of some of the best whiskeys on the market thanks to its high-quality ingredients and well-balanced flavor profile. It has something for everyone, whether you are a novice whiskey drinker just getting started or a seasoned connoisseur searching for something new. Crown Royal remains an iconic Canadian staple and will continue to rule supreme for many years. With many alternatives available, ranging from their traditional blend to flavored whiskeys, they have something unique to offer for every occasion.
