Ranking Crown Royal Whisky flavors A look into the Delicious Profiles of this Canadian classic

Crown Royal Whisky has long been celebrated as a Canadian classic, renowned for its smoothness, quality and innovative flavor profiles. Over the years, the brand has expanded its portfolio with an array of unique flavored expressions, each offering a distinct twist on the traditional whisky experience. From the bold fruitiness of Crown Royal Blackberry to the indulgent sweetness of Crown Royal Salted Caramel, these flavors cater to a diverse range of palates, whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or just beginning to explore this spirited world. In this article, we’ll delve into the delicious profiles from Crown Royal's "Flavor Series", ranking them based on taste, aroma, and overall appeal. Join us as we explore what makes each of these offerings special and discover the perfect Crown Royal flavor for your next gathering or cozy night in. 

1. Crown Royal Blackberry 

Coming in at the top spot is Crown Royal Blackberry, a flavor that’s bursting with bold, juicy fruitiness. This limited-edition whisky has garnered considerable attention since its release, with some calling it the "hottest whiskey of 2024.” It introduces a delightful twist to the traditional Crown Royal profile, capturing the essence of fresh blackberries. With a well-balanced aroma of sweet vanilla and floral notes, it leads to a palate that combines the tartness of blackberry with hints of caramel and oak. Critics have praised its unique taste, noting the fresh blackberry aroma complemented by a touch of toasted oak. The flavor profile strikes a balance between sweetness and traditional whisky undertones, making it approachable for both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers. Whether you’re mixing up a classic Whiskey Sour or enjoying it straight, this whisky offers a refreshing take on flavored spirits, deserving of the number one spot as the best Crown Royal flavor. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Fresh blackberry aroma with caramel undertones 

Palate: Sweet vanilla and floral blackberry, finishing with tart blackberry and oak 

Star Rating: ★★★★★ 

2. Crown Royal Salted Caramel 

Crown Royal Salted Caramel is a limited-edition seasonal delight that adds a touch of festivity with its striking pumpkin-orange felt bag. This flavor is crafted using the iconic Crown Royal base, which combines over 50 whiskies for a smooth, complex profile. The distillery infuses natural salted caramel flavoring, making it a unique entry in the Crown Royal lineup. With its enticing combination of sweet and salty flavors, opinions on this whisky can be quite polarizing. On the nose, you’re greeted by inviting aromas of caramel apple and warm cinnamon spice, hinting at the indulgent experience to come. The palate follows suit with a sweet entry, showcasing flavors of vanilla and lightly salted caramel that glide effortlessly. While the sweetness is rich and creamy, some reviews, including those from Drinkhacker.com, note that it can border on overpowering, potentially overshadowing the underlying whisky character. The flavors of this whisky are smooth and approachable, ideal for newcomers to flavored whiskies. It manages to effectively balance caramel, salt, and spice, making it a suitable option for those exploring this category. Despite some critics pointing out the artificial sweetness, many find it a satisfying choice, particularly enjoyed on ice. This whisky isn’t merely a liqueur but rather a well-rounded flavored whisky that balances sweetness with the classic Crown Royal profile. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Caramel apple and cinnamon spice 

Palate: Sweet vanilla and salted caramel 

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 

3. Crown Royal Peach 

Next up is Crown Royal Peach, a flavor that captures the essence of juicy Georgia peaches in a smooth whisky blend. Launched in 2019, this flavor quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for its vibrant, fruity profile that’s perfect for warm weather. Crown Royal describes it as a blend of their famously smooth liquid with the sweet, delicious flavor of fresh peaches. However, if you crack open the bottle, you’ll be greeted by an intense aroma that aggressively resembles peach candy—think gummy rings from a pick ‘n’ mix bag. On the palate, the sweetness continues to dominate, often overshadowing any traditional whisky character. You might find it reminiscent of liquefied peach candies, with only a faint echo of vanilla detectable on the finish. Its strong peach candy aroma and taste dominate, making it a unique offering in the Crown Royal lineup that’s sure to please those with a penchant for sweetness. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Sweet, fruity aroma with notes of lemon citrus, vanilla, and warm oaky spice. 

Palate: Sweet flavors of peach with notes of butterscotch, sweet iced tea, and a hint of caramel. 

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 

4. Crown Royal Vanilla 

Taking the fourth spot is Crown Royal Vanilla, a delightful expression that marries the smoothness of Crown Royal whisky with the rich flavor of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. This infusion creates a sweet, creamy experience that’s perfect for those who love both vanilla and Canadian whisky. The nose invites you in with sweet vanilla and custard aromas, setting the stage for a palate that delivers a heavily vanilla-forward experience, occasionally bordering on marshmallow-sweetness. While it might not be groundbreaking, it certainly caters to those who enjoy a dessert-like profile. Light mixed berry notes and a hint of milk chocolate add a touch of complexity, though the primary focus remains on that sweet vanilla syrup character. As noted by Drinkhacker.com, Crown Royal Vanilla is designed with mixing in mind, fitting seamlessly into cocktails—especially with cola or other simple combinations. It’s an approachable choice for both cocktail enthusiasts and whisky novices, offering a smooth and enjoyable sipper. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Sweet vanilla and custard 

Palate: Creamy vanilla with light berry and chocolate notes 

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 

5. Crown Royal Regal Apple 

Next on the list is Crown Royal Regal Apple, a flavor that delightfully combines the smoothness of Crown Royal with the bright, crisp notes of Regal Gala apples. With a well-balanced profile, it presents sweet and tart fruit flavors that dance on the palate, accompanied by hints of vanilla and spice. Regal Apple is designed for those who enjoy a fruit-forward twist to their whisky experience. Its sweet-as-candy flavor, derived from actual Regal Gala apples, works beautifully in cocktails or punches aimed at masking the alcohol. However, if you’re seeking a traditional whisky experience, you might want to look elsewhere. This spirit is particularly approachable for newcomers, thanks to its low proof of 35% (70 proof) and sweet, candy-like profile. The aroma features notes reminiscent of apple juice mixed with candy, creating an inviting scent. On the palate, it’s intensely sweet—think apple dipped in honey—making it a great mixer, especially in a highball with ginger ale or sparkling water. While the apple flavor can overwhelm the whisky characteristics for purists, fans of fruity spirits will find joy in its vibrant profile. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Apple juice mixed with candy notes 

Palate: Intensely sweet apple with a honey-like texture 

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ 

6. Crown Royal Maple 

Crown Royal Maple embodies the quintessential Canadian spirit, blending the nation’s beloved rye whisky with rich maple flavoring. Introduced in 2012, this flavor marked a bold step in Crown Royal’s offerings, showcasing a distinctly Canadian flair. Infused with natural maple flavor and rested in maple-toasted oak barrels, this whisky delivers a sweet profile that’s reminiscent of a cozy breakfast—think boozy pancakes in a bottle. While some might see it as a touch cliché, it’s a delightful tribute to the country’s maple heritage. However, opinions on Crown Royal Maple are mixed. Many cite its overwhelming sweetness as a downside, while others appreciate its potential for mixed cocktails, particularly in sweeter concoctions. Some suggest it pairs well with bacon, making it an intriguing choice for brunch cocktails. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Rich maple with hints of oak 

Palate: Sweet maple syrup and smooth whisky 

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

7. Crown Royal Honey 

Crown Royal Honey is a sweet and approachable flavored whisky that blends the brand’s smooth Canadian rye with the rich essence of honey. Introduced in 2016 as a limited-time offering, its scarcity has made it a sought-after item among collectors and enthusiasts. Sadly, this limited release means many have yet to experience its unique flavor profile. The honey flavor is prominent, creating a syrupy sweetness that can overshadow the whisky base. Many drinkers enjoy it straight or over ice, finding it refreshing and smooth. However, some aficionados feel that the sweetness can be overwhelming, lacking the complexity found in traditional whiskies. 

ABV and Proof: 35% (70 proof) 

Nose: Sweet honey with a hint of vanilla 

Palate: Rich honey sweetness with a smooth finish 

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆