Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky Review And Tasting Notes
The Crown Royal Black is the enhanced version of the classic blended Crown Royal, a darker, more alcoholic, caramelized, and spiced bottle of Canadian Whisky.
It is a whisky that is always very soft, pleasing, velvety, and dominated by caramelized notes that limit the gustatory development of the distillate; however, compared to the base product, it is much tastier, deeper, and more articulated.
Let’s say that the Crown Royal base is on the verge of decency. It is a whisky that does not offer many ideas, while this Black defends itself and has good juiciness.
Do not expect a territorial or particularly inspired product, but at least we are on acceptable levels. The price reflects the change in quality: this Crown Royal Black costs 55-60 euros, while the basic product is sold out at 25 euros per liter.
How is Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky made?
As you well know, Crown Royal is a blend of 50 whiskies, many of which are grain (wheat, corn, and rye) produced with column stills and other products with pot stills. Each type of distillate is created and then aged individually before making the blend.
The percentage of whisky grain is very high for the base product, and it fits. It is not a particularly valuable and expensive distillate. But to make the Crown Royal Black, the percentage of whiskies produced more handcrafted with pot stills is much higher than the coarser ones, which is the reason for a greater taste depth.
Charred oak barrels were used for the refinement, while the bottling takes place at 45 degrees alcohol. It costs more, but the quality is by no means comparable.
Organoleptic characteristics of the Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky
The bouquet is caramelized, dripping with honey by the liter, candied fruit, with sweet spices that frame it. If you are careful, however, you will notice that it is not an informal pour of molasses, but the sugar has many nuances, yes, it seems trivial, but at least it shows that it is not a coarse distillate but that it tries to rise. The smoking charge is relatively straightforward and smoky, with woody and sandalwood tones close on a vanilla crescendo.
On the palate, it wants to wink at Bourbon lovers. In evidence, it has excellent oxidation with red fruit: the flavors that flow on the tongue are sweet and velvety, defined by spices, maple syrup, and more wood. Overall it has a certain momentum and credible alcoholic volume, but it is never too complex.
Indeed the watchword is once again mellowness. The fruit is so cooked and candied that it looks sweeter than it is. Overall it is a very stylized dram: balsamic and sugary suggestions are dominant, but this does not prevent it from having a certain thickness and a mentholated and peppery hint given by the rye.
Don’t expect a clean or clear drink. It’s the quintessence of alcoholic wood doping, but overall it doesn’t disappoint, and that tannic-almond flavor keeps it flowing. The structure is robust, ok, and sweet, but persistence and warmth are decisive. He is a pimp, but he does it with good results.
Price of Crown Royal Black
55-60 euros: a price that reflects the quality of a distillate that is not in the least comparable to the Crown Royal base, so from a logical level, it is not a figure that is out of the question. Whether you like it or not is a whole different kettle of fish: think of a very oxidized, fruity, and caramelized bourbon and then pump it up, and maybe we have given the idea. If you like spice bombs and hot fruit in a decadent baroque style, it will not disappoint.
Food Pairings
Salmon terrines, brisket, pulled pork, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, and creme brùlée.
Cocktail to make
Boulevardier, Old Fashioned, Irish Coffee, Mint Julep, Sazerac, Godfather, Rusty Nail, Rob Roy, Old Pal, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Toronto, Penicillin.