Canadian Whisky

Review: Crown Royal Noble Collection: French Oak Cask Finished

The fourth entry in Crown Royal’s Noble Collection line is this French Oak finished whisky. The previous three expressions in this series have been hits in my household.

As the name suggests, Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished sees the brand’s famous whisky, Crown Royal Fine De Luxe, experience secondary aging in new French Oak casks. Simple concept. How does it fare?

Bottled at 40% ABV, this expression prominently features toasted marshmallows and vanilla on the nose. Dark caramel and spice also shine. The French Oak casks have ramped up the spice notes from the standard Crown Royal Fine De Luxe expression. There is more of the same on the palate – dark caramel, creamy vanilla, some sweet fruit, and a seasoning of baking spice. The finish sees the development of toasted oak and slightly burnt caramel.

Overall, this new whisky from Crown Royal is nice, if a bit underwhelming. With the French Oak cask finish, I was expecting a spicier, drier whisky. What we end up with is a Crown Royal Fine De Luxe with a touch more spice and a slightly dark edge. At a price tag of $59.99, it’s not a major investment for a slightly more interesting version Crown Royal Fine De Luxe. 7.5/10

Crownroyal.com

Thanks to Diageo for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Crown Royal Noble Collection 13-Year-Old Blenders’ Mash

The 2018 entry to Crown Royal’s annual Noble Collection is this 13-year-old Blenders’ Mash. The whisky’s mash bill is similar to that of bourbon. According to Crown Royal Brand Ambassador Stephen Wilson, it’s about two thirds corn and one third rye, with a touch of malted barley. This whisky is also aged exclusively in new barrels. Really, the only thing that keeps this from being bourbon is that it’s made in Canada and not the U.S.

Rich caramel and oak spice are the dominant notes on the nose, complemented by vanilla and floral notes. It’s very reminiscent of a typical bourbon, and that sentiment also carries over to the palate. Cinnamon frosting leads things off, followed by a burst of freshly squeezed orange juice and maple caramel chews. Some oak spice develops in the mid-palate, becoming slightly astringent. The medium-length finish is warming with hints toasted oak and caramel.

This is fantastic whisky, and my favorite of the Noble Collection releases. Not only is 13-year-old Blenders’ Mash a great gateway into Crown Royal for bourbon fans, it’s simply fantastic. My only issue here is the price, which is about $100 a bottle. I can name a number of bourbons for half that price. So, this Crown Royal blend is a bit expensive for what it delivers. Price aside, 13-year-old Blenders’ Mash comes with a recommendation. 8.5/10

Crownroyal.com

Thanks to Crown Royal for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Crown Royal Blenders’ Mash Blended Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal’s latest release, Blenders’ Mash, might be its most controversial. Here’s the short version of the story: When it first hit shelves, the name on the label was Crown Royal Bourbon Mash. The name stemmed from what Crown Royal distillers and blenders internally called the bourbon-like mash bill of this whisky. Apparently that’s a big no-no here in the United States, where a whisky made outside of the country cannot use the word ‘bourbon’ on its label to describe it. The “Bourbon Mash” label was already TTB approved, but the government agency reversed its decision, causing Diageo, Crown Royal’s owner, to change the name to Blenders’ Mash.

Don’t let the label controversy detract from what’s inside the bottle.

This release kicks off the Crown Royal Blenders’ Series, which focuses on, er, blending. Produced at the Crown Royal distillery in Gimli, Blenders’ Mash features a blend of bourbon-like, corn-heavy whiskies aged in new and used oak barrels. It’s bottled at 40% ABV and available on shelves for about $28.

The nose is a bit subdued but nonetheless quite nice, featuring hints of vanilla pod, kettle corn, cinnamon toast, and a touch of toasted oak. The entry here is smooth, for lack of a better word. That rich and sweet profile Crown Royal is known for can be found here in spades, with hints of maple syrup and creamy vanilla leading the way. A bit of spiced green apples and sandalwood soon follows. The finish is rather clean, with notes of sweet caramel corn.

In terms of flavor, Blenders’ Mash sits perfectly in a world between Crown Royal and a standard bourbon, carrying over the “smoothness” the Canadian whisky is famous for. In other words, folks who like their bourbon without the bite would enjoy this whisky. However, don’t conflate “smooth” with “lack of character.” Blenders’ Mash is an enjoyable pour, one I don’t have to think too much about while drinking it. Recommended! 8/10

Crownroyal.com

Thanks to Crown Royal for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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