Crown Royal Deluxe sets the standard when it comes to Canadian Whisky. Created in 1939 for the first month long royal tour of Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, it remains the most popular and influential spirit when it comes to thinking about Canadian Whisky.
A blend of 50 different whiskies of varying grains and oak casks, the Deluxe is considered to possess a 10-year age stamp as none of the Whiskies are aged younger than 10 years. The Whiskies are distilled at Gimli distillery in Manitoba.
On the nose, Deluxe is rich and robust, with notes of vanilla and red fruit. The palate is delicate, soft, and creamy with hints of oak and sweet vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with a moderate amount of spice.
Crown Royal Deluxe can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat and is also a great addition to a cocktail. If you’re looking to mix something up, the brand recommends a Blackberry Whisky Sour:
Blackberry Whisky Sour:
- 2 oz Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Canadian Whisky
- 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Blackberries
- Lemon wedges
Wet the rim of a low ball glass with a wedge of lemon, then dip it all around in a dish of sugar. Muddle a few blackberries (optional step) in the bottom of the glass, then fill with ice. Add in the whisky, blackberry brandy, fresh lemon juice and stir. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon twist.
Created by Seagram in 1939 as a tribute to the 1939 royal tour of Canada, Crown Royal has gone on to create an entire range of spirits. Until 1964, it was only available in Canada, but now it is the top selling Canadian Whisky label in the United States. The brand has been owned by Diageo since 2000.
Today they make 13 different Whiskies, including Blender’s Mash, Rye, Black, Wine Barrel Finished, Reserve, XO, XR, Peach Texas Mesquite, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, and Apple.
Crown Royal Deluxe Ratings:
- Wine Enthusiast: 92/100
- Drinkhacker: 7/10
