Crown Royal Single Malt

A companion's partner is extremely devoted to Crown Royal. Their devotion is such that they possess duplicates of highly sought-after, four-figure bottles. (I was unaware that 'rare' Crown Royal existed). I admit, I've only tried the standard Crown Royal. You know, the kind you'd select if you were in a run-down bar with limited options, choosing between Crown, Jack, and Jameson. Disgusting. However, it would be unfair to dismiss Crown Royal's entire range based on their cheapest offering. Or because they produce flavored whisky (awful). Apologies, that sounds rather elitist. Moving on to the tasting notes... The aroma is subtle, sweet, and distinctly nutty. Reminiscent of walnut baklava. I could really go for some delicious baklava right about now... It possesses an almost rich maltiness, similar to a good ale. The walnuts blend with honey, creating a nearly overwhelming sweetness that is balanced by a touch of spicy, sweet cinnamon, accompanied by a faint hint of tart Granny Smith apples. The taste is notably very light. Vanilla is dominant, with sweet cream, but there's also a subtle floral fruitiness. Green apple, bananas, and orange blossom are present. The latter half of the palate introduces more spice and a touch of dryness, with cinnamon spice and leather. The finish is somewhat monotonous but lasts quite a while for a Canadian whisky. Spice remains, along with an astringent quality. This is acceptable. Certainly superior to the basic, low-quality Crown Royal, but I would be hesitant to try another Crown selection or even another Canadian whisky. For those more knowledgeable in this category: which Canadian whisky do you believe would convert me?

The aroma is gentle and sweet with notes of green apple, ripe pear, banana, tart cranberry, and lemon, alongside woody hints of oak and cedar. A faint damp earth scent is present. No alcohol burn detected. Generally pleasing. The taste delivers vanilla cream, banana, apple, honey, malt, and a general nut flavor. The tastes are not overpowering but are well-harmonized. I like that it avoids the unpleasant acrid taste found in some single malts. A very brief conclusion provides praline ice cream, white pepper, mild oak, caramel, spearmint, and cinnamon. The texture is smooth and velvety, which was a positive for me. I understand why some might find fault with this; it's too subtle, lacks depth, has a quick finish, and so on, but I actually enjoy it. Here's the problem: I spent $79.99, and for that cost, it's not worth buying again. If I could find it at the store price, which I hear is $49.99, it would likely be a regular purchase. It's certainly among the top Crown Royal varieties I've tried.

I'm an old timer and my taste buds aren't the most refined, but this was exceptionally mellow with just a bit of ice.

First one!