Crown Royal Noble Collection 13 Year Blenders' Mash

This is not bourbon whiskey. That's what the label on the purple tube states. It's also on the bottle's label. I must have received a non-standard batch before they consulted legal, as mine reads "bourbon mash" instead of "blenders mash." But rest assured: this is not bourbon whiskey. It's produced from a bourbon mash bill and matured in new, charred American white oak barrels. It pours beautifully into a snifter, displaying an amber color. But don't be mistaken: this is not bourbon whiskey. The nose is dusty, with the oak suggesting extended aging. I also detect caramel, lemon, and raspberries, but the oak is the most prominent characteristic. This is not bourbon whiskey. The flavors on the palate are subtle, but the mouthfeel is impactful. Don't approach this dram with dry lips. It's much smoother than I anticipated based on the oak-forward nose. Caramel, honey, and powdered sugar are present, along with a hint of raspberry. It's hot, especially for being 90 proof, but damn, it's delicious. This is not bourbon whiskey. The finish lasts longer than expected. The heat from the palate transforms into pure black pepper, creating a pleasant tingle, particularly on the front edges of your tongue. This is not bourbon whiskey. Can I just state the obvious? This whole presentation is rather peculiar. This dram is a better "not bourbon whiskey" than many actual bourbons I've sampled. It possesses intensity and subtlety in all the right places. It's affordable. I truly appreciate the transitions. It's as if someone meticulously crafted a highly dynamic whiskey, much like one would craft a bourbon, but with an exceptional skill that many bourbon producers lack. Oh, and it was made in Canada. My mistake. A gentle reprimand. In my humble opinion: if a certain brand can produce bourbon that Americans CANNOT acquire, I won't criticize Canadians for making an enjoyable bourbon that Americans CAN get. Yes, I said it. But please DON'T WORRY: this is not bourbon whiskey.

It's been two weeks since I had a real drink, not counting a couple of tiny sips from a leftover bottle. So, I decided to have this week's drink as this 13-year-old Canadian whisky, a gift from a friend. I really enjoyed the first in a certain series, which was also praised by a well-known whiskey critic. Based on that, I tried their next release, which I found to be just okay. I skipped their third attempt, assuming that series was a one-hit wonder. This is their fourth release, the oldest in the collection and the only one with an age statement. With a specific grain mix, it's not labeled bourbon because the US has exclusive rights to that name. It has to be made in the US. Who says only the French care about where things come from? We can be protective too. Anyway, for 13 years, this is quite reserved, much like a displeased Canadian. It's not very sweet, with some oak and cloves. It's acceptable, but I expected more from something with such a prestigious name. However, considering the cost, it's a great value. Where else can you find a decent 13-year-old for this price? Compare it to other aged Canadian whiskies which cost significantly more. So, all things considered, it's not a bad purchase. Thanks to my friend for the pour!

The aroma is bright and sweet, like sour candy apples, with hints of oak and burnt sugar. The taste starts sweet with notes of toasted caramel and pie filling, then transitions to salted butter in the middle. A cinnamon spice tingles the tongue for a while. It's like a buttery fruit pie. The finish has slight astringent wood notes, pepper, and furniture polish, with a mild bitterness lingering. A pleasant drink with robust flavors. Well done.

A very oak-forward expression from Crown Royal. Noticeable barrel influence from thirteen years of aging. A tannic finish. Much more interesting than any other Crown Royal I've encountered. It's definitely a drier Crown, with little of the traditional CR sweetness.

Attractive dark rich color. Coats the tongue thickly. The nose is sweet with vanilla and caramel. Initial taste of caramel and cinnamon spice, followed by oak on the finish, with a medium length that lingers just long enough. A very good bourbon that isn't a bourbon!:)

The aroma is smooth, featuring vanilla, chocolate fudge, and brown sugar. The taste is mild and balanced with baking spices, vanilla, and hints of caramel. The finish is medium in length, with fading pepper, vanilla, brown sugar, and crème brûlée notes. It's excellent.