A couple of years ago we were over in Canada and I thought I would pick up some of their whisky (no e) to try. I must admit that is has been at the back of the shelf as I had other bottles to work through. It finally made it now.
I was surprised that this Crown Royal came in a fancy bag within the box. It is a a blended whisky that was created to mark a visit by the British royals in 1939. I have to say that it was not especially expensive. I bought it in the duty free airport shop.
It is a fancy bottle, but with a screw top instead of a stopper.
I found it fairly smooth to drink, but I added a little water anyway. I am not too good on describing tastes, but I quite like it. I generally drink Scotch, so this makes a change.
I was reminded of an old sing by Muse where that starts with the lines 'Royal Canadian blended, The spicy aroma had mended me. Matured for years and imported. Into my glass you poured it". The song is about alcohol issues.
As a Canadian I feel that I can be more critical and say that our whiskey's do not compare to those of Scotland or Ireland. They are shit in comparison. Fine for mixing, but as sippers, not so much. They aren't triple distilled and they aren't really aged for more than (not sure exactly - but like 18 months or something) so the flavors aren't complex, just a generic caramel flavor that mostly comes from added caramel coloring.
I'm glad that you liked it and this isn't against your tastes or anything. I just feel like I can be more critical of Canadian whiskey since I'm Canadian 🤣🤣🤣. there are things that we do well but whiskey isn't one of them, in my opinion. Next time to have a glass let me know if you taste anything other than caramel...
I could not expect too much from this given the price and I would say it's okay, but lacking the complexity you get from a good Scotch. It does make me think of our trip to Canada, which was great.
!BEER
Yeah, most Canadian whiskeys are like that - lacking in the complexity that you get in a Scotch or decent Irish whiskey. But if it was inexpensive and makes you think about your trip then I'd say that is a win.
As a Canadian - that is not a good whiskey - same goes for Canadian Club. We actually make WAY better beverages - off the top of my head, one called Bearface is considerably better, and less expensive.
It was a case of what I could get at the airport and it's okay, if not exceptional. Next time I am over I will look out for others.
!BEER
yeah, airports are pretty limited to the "major" brands - if you have the opportunity, try to find a private store - they typically have the best selection - might cost a bit more, but the variety in my opinion is worth it..
Maybe next time...
I used to think that Crown was a top shelf whisky too before I really got into it. It's blended, so that is part of what accounts for the smoothness. It's also fairly low proof compared to most stuff out there these days. It's not something I would regularly buy, but If that was all that was available or someone gave me a glass, I wouldn't turn up my nose at it. It's good stuff and the whole bag thing is kind of a nice extra to make it feel special.
We were at a bar for our open mic last night and the owner is really into whisky. I mentioned this one and he said it's not too bad. He had a bottle amongst the hundreds on the shelves. I may get him to join Hive.
That would be cool. I bet he has some really good perspectives on a whole bunch of different things! I would never turn down a glass of Crown. There are other bottles I would buy before it though.
I'm not into whisky yet. More of a rhum guy 🥃 but one day I'm going to explore the whisky world too
The bottle does look interesting, I wonder if it’s gonna fit my taste…
About the tasting notes… I always wonder if the guys that are more experienced catch all these little nuances in taste. Salty caramel, ripe apricots, campfire burnt sausages, whatsoever… 🤷🏻 If the whisky is good and enjoyable, then we have to be happy!
And although this is a blend, it still can be good and worthy. Cheers!
I have to admit - never been a fan of Whiskey as such - tried some as a youn g buy and alter in my company as a cool thing but i do not like the taste - also even a smoker i never liked these happenings to smoke a fat cigar n certain company success or new years eve - it just is not tasty lol - but that is my opinion only.
The taste won't be for everyone. My other half doesn't like beer or whisky, so I can't share with her. I was never a smoker though.
What is her favourite drink then? no alcohol in general or more into fruit / milky stuff?
She likes gin, prosecco and white wine.
OMG - my "better half" is similar :-)
Never tried whiskey with water, but with soda or cola :)
Well I like to taste the whisky.
The water is added to make it drinkable - don’t buy it, not worth the money IMO…
Looks like a nice one to try, cheers!
Cheers, cheers, cheers. 🍷
I am not into alcohol in general, but I would not mind tasting it.
Nice design of the bottle
Enjoy this Crown Royal
@steevc, I paid out 2.004 HIVE and 0.000 HBD to reward 13 comments in this discussion thread.