In mid May, I received a press release from a PR firm regarding a a new Crown Royal whisky expression called XR (Extra Rare). After a very brief email exchange, the PR firm agreed to send me a sample of this whisky for an upcoming review. Last Wednesday, I finally got around to trying the Crown Royal XR.
Here is what Crown Royal has to say about their XR expression:
Taste the latest in our Extra Rare Whisky Series, handcrafted with a unique blend that includes the final batch of whiskies from the renowned LaSalle distillery. Located on the island of Montreal, the LaSalle distillery produced whiskies with a unique richness, attributed to the fine water surrounding the island. The resulting whiskies were full-bodied and exceptionally smooth.
Experience its sophisticated blend of dried fruits and honey in a harmonious balance with spicy notes of Canadian rye, finishing in a lovely, round taste of raisins, cocoa and brown sugar.
And now for my impressions of the Crown Royal XR…
- Appearance: Sienna brown color with thick, slow moving legs forming on the inside of the glass after giving it a swirl.
- Aroma: Faint alcohol vapors. Ginger. Cherry Cola. Vanilla. Cinnamon. Dried fruit. Rye spice.
- Taste: Very light bodied. A bit on the thin side. Light brown sugar sweetness and somewhat herbal at the onset. The spiciness of the rye kicks in at mid-palate, but that light brown sugar sweetness goes along for the ride. Think brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of jalapeño heat. Warm, spicy, and lingering finish with with a subtle licorice and wintergreen aftertaste.
- ABV: 40%
The Crown Royal XR is a highly drinkable and very smooth whisky. I like how it balances it’s sweet/spicy/herbal notes from start to finish without any one flavor element ever dominating your palate. Although I haven’t had many Canadian whiskies, I have been reading and hearing quite a bit about them, and if they are all this good, then I definitely have to explore more of Canada’s whisky offerings. My only complaint about this whisky is the price, since it retails for about $130 in Pennsylvania. This is a very good whisky, but there are several American Rye whiskies that have a similar flavor profile, yet sell for much less money (Knob Creek Rye is a prime example, and it costs about $40 per bottle).
Thank you to Christina Kavanaugh of Taylor Strategy for sending us a sample of this whisky.
