Crown Royal Blenders’ Mash
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
For many, Crown Royal isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about great whisky. And while some may say that would apply to Canadian whisky in general, it seems Crown Royal has a special place of the judgement for whisky enthusiasts. But how does this new expression from their “Blender’ Series” stack up?
There’s been a bit more buzz about this Bourbon Mash expression than most Crown Royal so I am excited to jump in. It comes in at the legal limit of 80 proof and uses a combination of new and used charred oak. While my particular bottle has “Bourbon Mash” on the label, the TTB has since forced Crown Royal to change the label to say “Blenders Mash” due to consumer confusion around “bourbon” being used in a Canadian whisky label. But controversies aside, let’s dive in and explore a whisky from north of the border!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 40%
Cask: Ex-bourbon and new charred oak
MSRP: $30
Distillery Name: Crown Royal
Review Date: 7/24/23
Nose: Gentle oak, artificial vanilla, touch of astringency, and bright caramel. There’s a shiny and brittle metallic note on the top end as well.
Palate: The classic bourbon notes are all here, but just turned down a few notches. Caramel, vanilla, shiny sugar, grass, and honeysuckle, but without any deep oaky tones. Wood varnish and sawdust round out the rest. Mouthfeel has no burn and a watery texture.
Finish: Short and forgettable. Anise, oak, spun sugar, corn syrup, and metal shavings.
