Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

Visual: In the glass it is a deep amber/gold color. Medium, lasting legs after a swirl. Nose: From a distance: floral and vanilla. Up close, more vanilla and, surprisingly, Juicy Fruit Gum in spades! (Note: I wrote my notes before reading the Distiller review, and I found it interesting that Distiller noted Juicy Fruit in the palate notes, whereas I pick it up very distinctly in the nose). This is a good thing if, like me, you like fruit-bomb whiskies. Palate: More vanilla, with a touch of leather. The rye spice comes through a bit more on the palate than the nose, and the fruit morphs into more of the dried, trail mix variety. On the spice side, I detect some difficult to pinpoint baking spices and perhaps a soupçon of mint. Finish: The finish is fairly long and drying, with some tannin bitterness and some heat from the 45% ABV. Empty glass: Pecan pralines. This is one I think I could drink and drink. Do I think it is the best whiskey in the world, and worthy of Mr. Murray’s accolades? Probably not. Also, I’ve read some opinions on-line (after preparing my notes) suggesting that there is some notable batch variation, so it is possible that my bottle differs from what the bible author tasted. I can assert, though, that this is a stellar dram for the price, with its only real flaw being a slightly hot finish. At $33 USD in my neck of the woods, it is a 5-star value, especially if you’re a fan of north American whiskies.

This is an easy sipping Rye. There is some of the classic pepper, but Crown manages to smooth it out and create a mellow dram. I find the nose light, a bit boozy, and slightly sweet. Maybe pears. The palate is slow to evolve, I find vanilla, marishino cherries, light oak. No char or smoke. The finish is medium, still sweet but a slow burn. After a few I find my mouth has that dry feel I get with Rye, but it's hidden with just one. (3.5 stars)

I really like this rye. It used to be my "everyday" whiskey. Absolutely deliciously well-priced.