Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Named 2016 World Whisky of the Year

Renowned whisky writer Jim Murray today announced Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye as the 2016 World Whisky of the Year, marking the first time a Canadian Whisky has received the honor.

The recognition comes at a time when both the Canadian and Rye whisky categories continue to gain popularity amongst whisky aficionados and consumers alike.

“Crown Royal Northern Harvest pops up out of nowhere and changes the game,” said Murray of the whisky, which he awarded a record-tying 97.5 out of 100 points. “It certainly puts the rye into Canadian Rye. To say this is a masterpiece is barely doing it justice.”

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was first released in the U.S. in early 2015. The variant showcases the Canadian rye whiskey featured in the traditional Crown Royal Deluxe Blend. The latest variant to be introduced by Crown Royal, Northern Harvest Rye (90 proof, 45% ABV) is the brand’s first ever blended, 90% rye whisky.

“We are thrilled that Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye has been named World Whisky of the Year!” said Yvonne Briese, Vice President of Crown Royal. “Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye showcases the rye whisky that has been such an integral component of the Crown Royal Deluxe blend since 1939.”

The recognition comes on the heels of the launch of Crown Royal’s new campaign titled “The One Made for a King.” The creative — which will run across TV, print, out of home, digital and social — was developed to share the 75-year-old brand’s royal origin story and liquid credentials with consumers.