Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

I thought crown royal was kind of whisky that no one drank other than college kids or old men who “only drink crown”. I thought there was no serious bottles in the lineup as the original is laughable, black was rancid, reserve being mid at best as well as xo. but its only until i had this bottle that i was floored. Right off the bat there is a rush of vanilla and maple, sweet brown sugars and a nice oakiness. You get some apple and lighter berry notes as well. Apple pie crust. the finish is semi dry, warming with alot of gentle but prevalent spice. I think the higher proof and more legitimate mashbill made this so much better, Its a very flavorful and rich candian that is also gentle enough for all kinds of enjoyment. all in all i think this is so far my favorite canadian whisky, and ill be honest ive never had a canadian that floored me but this would be it.

Incredibly delicious. Lots of maple, vanilla and cinnamon. Hints of banana and gingerbread. Moderately spicy finish. Complex and balanced.

Virginia ABC pick, 2023. Strong vanilla, maple, caramel, cinnamon buns. A little flat but enjoyable

Hand selected for Trevor’s, Scottsdale AZ. I know what you are thinking: “Canadian Whisky? Fafnir187, say it isn’t so!” But the thing is, I heard this one isn’t just light whiskey with flavoring whiskies and artificial flavoring or colorings added, but rather distilled and aged in a similar manner to bourbon so I decided to give it a try. Let’s go! Nose is very light with vanilla, caramel, white cake frosting, and the faintest hint of generic woodiness. Palate is a straight up vanilla BOMB. Deep, rich French vanilla. A little red delicious apple, butterscotch, graham cracker, maple, and a hint of tartness (lemon zest?) that is very welcome and helps keep the massive vanilla from becoming cloying. That said, it is very sweet and calling it complex would be misleading. But what’s here is quite tasty. Finish is short and clean with white pepper, nutmeg, and oak, but the palate carries through so more of a continuation of the road than a sharp left turn. Mouthfeel is full bodied and creamy, which fits the flavor profile perfectly. (Honestly, grainy would have ruined it) My first serious foray in Canadian Whisk(e)y, and while I know they aren’t all like this, so far we have a winner. At $50, it’s a solid value in today’s market. Simple, but effective. Would rebuy.