Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Crown Royal. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Fit for royalty – that was the goal of the distillers who created the first batch of Crown Royal in 1939 as a gift to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England’s visit to Canada. After testing 600 blends, the distillers settled on a blend of 50 select whiskies that were then bottled in the finest glass, draped in purple robes, and placed aboard the Royal train. Decades later, Crown Royal, sprawling over 360 acres in Gimli, Manitoba, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, attributes its flavor to the hearty ingredients built to withstand challenging Canadian weather and “distinctively smooth water, which is naturally filtered through the limestone beneath Lake Winnipeg.” While not available in the States until 1964, Crown Royal, has grown to be the most popular Canadian whisky in the U.S. according to Forbes.
Fast forward to the present, and Crown Royal has released its Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whisky. And, not to be outdone by its past, Crown Royal has teamed up with a different kind of royalty to celebrate this release – celebrity grillz maker Scotty ATL. Grillz are a type of jewelry worn over teeth. They are typically made of gold, silver, or platinum and often contain ornamental, inlaid jewelry. In honor of the launch, Scotty ATL created four intricate and exclusive grillz sets, one of which was auctioned off to benefit the Atlanta Artist Relief Fund.
This whisky is a blend of three of Crown Royal’s “most exceptional whiskies,” hand selected by their master blenders and aged 18 years to create this “crown jewel of one of their rarest stocks.” Nestled inside in a dark purple-doored box, you will open to find the whisky decanted into a glass bottle, wrapped in the distinctive matching dark purple “robe.”
Tasting Notes: Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Canadian Blended Whisky
Vital Stats: Aged 18 years. 80 Proof, (40% ABV). A blend of three of what Crown Royal refers to as their “most exceptional whiskies.” Priced around $300. Gimli, Manitoba.
Appearance: The spirit is medium dark amber in color, reminiscent of the brown-orange resin known for its preservation of fossils.
Nose: An uncommonly smooth and mellow nose, this spirit has distinct notes of vanilla and stone fruits, such as mango and peach, with a hint of oak, and caramel with no trace of astringency.
Palate: Exceptionally smooth with a light sweetness, subtle oak finish, and just a hint of lingering pepper, this whisky is well balanced with complex flavors.
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