Crown Royal

Caramel. Oakiness. A subtle rye spiciness—and a hint of sherry. What does Crown Royal taste like? A little bit of everything; and, possibly, that’s why this whisky brand appeals to so many. However, in all Crown Royal varieties, you can simply feel the legacy of richness that it exudes.

Looking to feel the sophistication of drinking a fine whisky neat? Interested in finding the perfect bitter depth to balance out a summery mixed drink? Perhaps what the various types of Crown Royal do best is simply cater to what you want, no matter when you want it.

With fine, classy bottles and popular flavored versions, this Canadian whisky has something for experienced whisky drinkers and newcomers alike. In our Crown Royal review, we’ll discuss ingredients, recipes, what glass you should use and more.

Crown Royal bottle prices and sizes

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The legacy of Crown Royal: History of this Canadian whisky

The third time is truly the charm

Montréal, 1939: Samuel Bronfman, the president of Seagram’s, was attempting to distill a new super-smooth line of whisky, and had already failed twice. When he confided in his rabbi that he was thinking about giving up, Bronfman was advised to focus on instilling his whisky with spiritual purpose—instead of distilling a marketable product. Bronfman tried a third time, and that attempt worked beautifully. Crown Royal, the result of hard work and hope, was born.

A whisky for Kings (and Queens)

1939: In that same year, King George VI visited Canada. Bronfman had decided to create Crown Royal Deluxe to commemorate and honor the King and Queen—and they liked it so much that they went back to England with ten cases on their train.

Today, just to commemorate this royal seal of approval, a true bottle of Crown Royal comes to you sheathed in the rich fabric of monarchs themselves—lush velvet.

Is Crown Royal a rye whisky?

Strictly speaking—no. According to the exacting standards of American whisky production, a true rye must have 51% of rye in its mash bill, or specific mix of grains. Crown Royal’s base recipes differ from bottle to bottle, and some have quite a bit of rye—but not that much, and certainly without the ubiquity necessary to deem Crown Royal a rye whisky.

Instead, Crown Royal often uses corn and barley as their go-to-grains.

What makes a smooth whisky a true Crown Royal

The heart of Crown Royal comes down to the investment of time. How long is Crown Royal aged, you might be wondering? All Crown Royal bottles, no matter the variety, are aged for at least three years—and often, far more. The barrel in which Crown Royal varieties are aged also plays a large part in the end-game flavor. As opposed to American whiskys, which must be aged under certain conditions and in barrels made of specifically-treated woods, Canadian brands can experiment.

And experiment Crown Royal does! Their whiskys are aged in barrels made from oak, ash, and even previously used barrels. This recycling is sustainable, helps add an air of historicity to each bottle, and (on a more practical level) allows Crown Royal to infuse their whiskys with wine, sherry, and even bourbon barrels for smoky, fruity, or caramel notes in the resulting batch.

Experiencing the true Crown Royal taste: How to drink whisky

Whisky, simple and unadorned, yields a timeless experience when sipped straight; however, Crown Royal is also a versatile liquor, easily available to buy online, which can be enjoyed in delicious cocktail recipes. As this Canadian whisky is light, dry, and spicy, it does offer a unique flavor when taken neat. If you’re interested in this classic experience, use a heavy old-fashioned glass, and add a few drops of cold water or ice cubes to give the whisky a crisper feel.

Let’s talk about glassware. An old-fashioned glass will have a weighty, formal feel as well as a wide opening—which can help open up the aromas and make the drinking experience more pleasant. Another option? Grab a snifter, a flute, or another glass that tapers towards the lip. These concentrate the aromas towards your nose, giving you a more powerful smell—and taste—of the potent, heady whisky.

Cocktails which pair Crown Royal with a soda or tonic water can mellow out the spice and sharpness of the undiluted liquor. From the perfect nightcap to sparkling party beverages, Crown Royal does not disappoint. Chilling the drink with ice and adding seasonal fruits can sweeten the taste and make the drink light, refreshing, and easily enjoyable.

Best whisky glasses to drink Crown Royal

Crown Royal cocktail recipes

Here are the top three most popular cocktails to make with Crown Royal whisky.

Blackberry Whisky Sour

Ingredients:

• 60 ml (2 oz) Crown Royal Fine Deluxe Blended Canadian Whisky
• 30 ml (1 oz) blackberry brandy
• 30 ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice
• blackberries
• lemon wedges

Cocktail recipes: Take a low ball glass and wet the rim with a fresh-cut lemon wedge. Then, turn the glass down into a dish of sugar to coat the rim. After muddling a few blackberries in the glass, fill it with ice. Pour in the whisky, brandy, and lemon juice before stirring. To increase the summery look and feel, garnish with a lemon twist and fresh blackberries.

Grapefruit Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 60 ml (2 oz) Crown Royal Fine Deluxe Blended Canadian Whisky
• 120 ml (4 oz) grapefruit juice
• 2 tbsp simple syrup
• 2 dashes of bitters
• sparkling water
• sprig of thyme

Cocktail recipes: For this summery take on a classic Old Fashioned, simply mix all of the ingredients in a glass with a few ice cubes. Stir to mix, and garnish with thyme.

Crown Royal Flush

Ingredients:

• 37.5 ml (1.25 oz) Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
• 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) peach schnapps
• 90 ml (3 oz) cranberry juice
• orange peel

Cocktail recipes: Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker full of ice. Shake, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. For extra flair and intoxicating aromas, garnish with a fresh curl of orange peel.

Interested in mixology inspiration? Check out our cocktail list for more ideas.

Frequently asked questions about Crown Royal Whisky