My grandfather is a whiskey man, he would have a "tot" every night before bed, and still does, at 93! Now his brand was Imperial (shudder), but every time I visit I bring him a bottle of something proper, he's earned it. But his real poison of choice was a stiff Manhattan, I've many a fond childhood memory of nipping his boozy cherry from an empty glass... Nosing this Crown Royal brought those memories flooding back. In fact the nose is reminiscent of his basement home bar! Old dusty oak, woodsy spices and a sticky jar of maraschino cherries. It's powerful and a touch hot, almost menthol-like at the back of your nose, calling you to attention. However, it's surprisingly smooth and amiable on the palate with rich spices and sweet grainy vanilla, transitioning through a playful seam of horseradish into the warming finish. Graciously shared by the preeminent Pranay, my first Canadian and my first rye influenced whiskey... Oh how our little worlds expand!