April 16th, 2010

Review: Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky

John Hansell

Crown Royal Black, 45%, $30
Not exactly black. (More like russet, but “Crown Royal Russet” isn’t as catchy.) It’s nice to see the higher strength, and there’s definitely more flavor here than the standard Crown Royal or Crown Royal Reserve. But it’s missing the smoothness and elegance I cherish in other Crown Royal whiskies. Notes molasses and maple syrup, accentuated by burnt fig, hints of Pedro Ximenez sherry, and raisin. There are suggestions of dark rum and bourbon in here. (An alternative to both?) A whisky to drink on the rocks or as a mixer.

I can’t help wondering: Could this be the Canadian equivalent to Loch Dhu?

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 78

Category: Canadian whisky,New Releases,Reviews Tags: 37 Comments

March 24th, 2010

New Crown Royal “Black” Canadian Whisky

John Hansell

This came in yesterday while I was in New York City. I have enjoyed some of the Crown Royal whiskies. I like the idea of a higher proof and “more robust whisky” description. I’ll let you know my thoughts after I taste it. (A review sample is coming.)

Here’s the information I was sent. It’s not a formal press release, but it’s what they are providing now.

———————————————————————————————–

CROWN ROYAL® BLACK

We are pleased to announce the launch of Crown Royal® BLACK. This new extra bold whisky with a darker, more robust whisky blended at 90 Proof, still embodies the signature smoothness of Crown Royal.

Product description:           

Crown Royal® BLACK is a new extra bold whisky with a darker, more robust whisky blended at 90 Proof, which still embodies the signature smoothness of Crown Royal. Enjoy on the rocks.

Origin:                                  

Crown Royal® BLACK is hand-crafted by Master Blender Andrew MacKay in Manitoba, Canada.

Production:                           

A robust Canadian whisky devoted to full-bodied flavor. Matured to perfection in charred oak barrels and blended at a higher proof to impart more concentrated flavor. Crown Royal Black has deeper bourbon notes and a rich texture.

Tasting notes:                      

Color: Dark red-brown

 Nose: Deeper oak background with sweet maple notes and light vanilla towards the finish.

 Taste: A creamy profile as well within the Crown Royal family and ‘velvety’, which is a pleasant surprise at a higher proof. Overall profile exhibits some subtle dried fruit notes, mainly fig.

 Finish: Deeper bourbon notes and smooth at a higher proof.

Sizes:   50ml, 375ml, 750ml, 1L, 1.75L          

 Suggested Retail Price:      $30.00 (750ml

Alcohol by Volume:               90 proof, 45% (ABV)

Category: Canadian whisky,New Releases Tags: 51 Comments

February 4th, 2010

Malt Advocate Whisky Awards “Canadian Whisky of the Year”: Crown Royal Cask No. 16

John Hansell

Canadian Whisky of the Year

Crown Royal Cask No. 16, 40%, $100

This great whisky was also our award winner two years ago (only to be temporarily eclipsed by the limited-edition Canadian Club 150th Anniversary 30 year old bottling last year), and our opinion of it remains the same.

The well-established Crown Royal “Reserve” has long been one of the finest Canadian whiskies. It’s difficult to imagine one as good, let alone better. But over the past several years, the distillery started releasing limited edition, special release. The first one, Crown Royal XR, missed the mark. It showed its age on the finish, with too much oak influence. But its successor, Crown Royal Cask No. 16, is a silky-smooth ride the whole way.

Crown Royal has always been a stylish line of whiskies. This bottling adds a new dimension in flavor and texture with its cognac cask finishing. It’s a velvety, polished whisky with notes of creamy vanilla, butterscotch, nougat, dried fruit, and gentle spice, all well-defined and nicely balanced. Gently sweet, fruity finish. A very classy Canadian.

(Author’s note: the owners of Canadian Club asked to be excluded from consideration, because the 150th Anniversary was a one-time release and is no longer being produced.)

Tomorrow’s Malt Advocate Whisky Awards announcement: Irish Whiskey of the Year.

Category: Awards,Canadian whisky,competitions,Malt Advocate Mag,Reviews Tags: 57 Comments



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