Crown Royal Noble Collection Winter Wheat

I’ve enjoyed the “Noble” line up to this point, so I’m curious to see how this expression performs…. On the nose: Red Delicious apple, cereal grains, brown sugar, maple, nutmeg, honey, and clove are all present without any alcohol smell. Quite pleasant. Taste: Whoa… what was that? I’ve never experienced a whiskey that veered from its aroma so dramatically. Tobacco, leather, malt (I know this is wheat whiskey, but that’s the profile I’m detecting), subtle vanilla, and tea leaf. A whisper of the apple from the nose. While it’s quite robust for the proof, which is a plus in my book, there are many odd vegetal notes that don’t quite work together. The brief finish is sharp with oak tannins, biting alcohol, dried grass, more black tea, pepper, and mint. The texture is less full and more grainy than I prefer. This is certainly the least impressive of this collection I’ve sampled, and a significant letdown. It’s difficult to identify many positive aspects. Given the $79.99 price, this is a definite pass. I would struggle to suggest it even at $40. It will be a challenge to consume the whole bottle.

I sampled this blended Canadian whisky neat, with added water, on ice, and in an Old Fashioned, all consumed in the evening at 45% ABV. It's noticeably drier than the standard Crown Royal Deluxe, with a more pronounced wheat and herbal character. It achieves a good balance and evokes a sense of being in a remote Canadian wheat field. The palate offers bright honey and a very long herbal finish. Superb! I'd pair this experience with canoeing alongside a moose, while wearing snowshoes and a Mountie jacket.

Nose: Rich toasted oak and freshly baked banana bread with a drizzle of glaze. Palate: English toffee and old-fashioned bread pudding packed with warm raisins and cinnamon. Finish: Medium length with sweet cinnamon, more toffee, and toasted oak. Summary: Among my top pours ever. An ideal winter whiskey for enjoying by the fire. I regret not purchasing an extra bottle, but it's better for more people to experience this one.

The aroma has notes of oak and fruit, along with a hint of nail polish remover. The palate features candied cherries and vinyl siding. It's acceptable for the CR classification, but a bit monotonous. In my opinion, it doesn't justify the price tag over $100 CAD, though it was satisfactory.

Remarkable depth of flavor. Rich and intricate. A pleasure to consume.

Wow. Extremely mellow, quite a pour.