Crown Royal Noble Collection Cornerstone Blend

The aroma exhibits abundant wood and spice, with a touch of warmth and a whisper of vanilla. After some time, it develops the faintest suggestion of mint. The taste is quite full and smooth, yet unexpectedly fiery for the alcohol content. My impressions closely mirror a professional assessment; it's spiced (nutmeg, clove, anisette, cinnamon) then presents with brown sugar and vanilla, followed by the barest trace of dark cherries. Oak is present throughout, serving as a unifying element rather than a dominant taste. The conclusion is moderate in length, with warmth subsiding into caramel and vanilla, leaving a fresh, mouthwash-like sensation that lasts a short while. I enjoyed my initial bottle of CR Hand Selected more than this one, though the difference is minor. This expression is preferable to my second bottle of Hand Selected, and I suspect its blended nature ensures greater uniformity than a single barrel release. Whether that dependable flavor is sufficient to deter you from the possibility of an outstanding experience is a personal choice. For my part, I will seek out more batches of Hand Selected. When I discover another excellent one that matches my first, I plan to purchase a case.

My grandfather, a devoted whiskey drinker, enjoyed a small measure nightly and still does at 93! His usual was Imperial (yikes), but I always bring him a better bottle when I visit; he's earned it. His preferred drink was a strong Manhattan, and I have fond childhood memories of tasting the alcoholic sweetness from his empty glass. Sipping this Crown Royal brought those moments back vividly. The aroma mirrors his home bar downstairs! It had old, dusty oak, woody spices, and a sticky container of maraschino cherries. It's potent and slightly sharp, with a menthol-like sensation at the back of your nose, demanding attention. Yet, the palate is remarkably smooth and pleasant, offering rich spices and sweet, grainy vanilla, leading into a lively hint of horseradish before the warm conclusion. A generous gift from a distinguished individual, this was my first Canadian and my first whiskey with rye influence... How our perspectives broaden!

While watching the show and... I believe I've found my favorite underrated yet high-quality whiskey! This marks my second time trying Crown Royal. The previous one was lauded as the best whiskey by a particular critic with a hat. I genuinely enjoyed that one (Northern Harvest rye) primarily because it surprised me—I expected it to be terrible and it turned out quite good. This one surpasses it. Significantly. The aroma is caramel and chocolate. However, the taste reveals a rye foundation. Mint chocolate and caramel. I'm really appreciating this. The finish is extended and smooth. For $55, you truly can't get much better. Highly recommended, especially considering the excellent value!

This is exceptionally smooth, so smooth that it almost tastes like nothing. It has very little burn from beginning to end. The only thing that would make this better is a more intense flavor.

Sweet and mellow. A hint of spice in the middle palate, concluding with fruity and vanilla notes. It's a well-rounded whiskey with broad appeal, suitable for those who might find spirits intimidating.

Aroma of fruit and spice, but dill is the dominant note. The palate echoes this. It's smooth with some sweetness and finishes with a pleasing bitterness. 7/29/17