Crown Royal Texas Mesquite Review

I enjoy smoke in whiskey. From the scrub oak smoke in Balcones Brimstone to the peat smoke in Islay whiskies I’m a fan of it all and when the Crown Royal Texas Mesquite was announced I knew I needed to get a taste. The curiosity of reality vs what was sitting in my imagination was a question that needed answering.

On the surface this may seem like an odd combination – Canadian Whisky and Texas Mesquite – but it’s actually a great fit. Texas is the #1 consumer of Canadian Whisky in America; so much so that there are distillers in Texas actively trying to simulate the Crown Royal profile in their own products. It only makes sense that Crown Royal try to take on a bit of Texas in return.

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Crown Royal’s Words: Crown Royal Texas Mesquite

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite is a blend of Crown Royal Deluxe infused with the smoky soul of locally sourced Texas mesquite wood. The result is a unique flavor that is smoky and spicy with the distinctive smoothness of Crown Royal.

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Canada

Distiller: Crown Royal
Mash Bill: Corn, Rye and Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS (at least 3 years)
ABV: 40%

Price: $26*

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite isn’t bad neat, but better as a cocktail whisky to add a nice layer of smoke.

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite Tasting Notes

EYE
Toffee

NOSE
Mesquite, char, vanilla, cocoa, copper and a bit of waxy cherry licorice and… lime… yeah definitely getting some odd notes of lime.

PALATE
Mesquite smoke, vanilla, cocoa, copper and butterscotch with bits of menthol and char.

FINISH
Long -> Smoke, menthol, vanilla, char and tobacco.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Not balanced, light body and a light dry feel.

Crown Royal Texas Mesquite Review: OVERALL

At first it reminded me of the Del Bac Dorado or the Corsair Triple Smoke, but after giving it a good 10 minutes to open up it took on a character all its own that seemed young with smoke used to cover the youth. Under the smoke is a big layer of candy sweetness on the aroma and palate that, at times, comes across in that candy sweet way new make sometimes does.

Though unlike most new make, this is easily drinkable and works well in cocktails. In fact, that’s what it’s going to be used for the most around here. I love a good smoky Old Fashioned and this lends that character easily and at about 1/2 the price of Brimstone it makes for one heck of a mixer.

SCORE: 77/100 (C+)