Crown Royal updates its Reserve blend

Diageo-owned Canadian whisky Crown Royal has reimagined its Reserve bottling, which now comes with an age statement

The Canadian whisky powerhouse has revamped its Reserve label, adding a 12-year age statement and unveiling a redesigned bottle. The new blended whisky seeks to be approachable yet elevated. "Crown Royal Reserve Aged 12 Years stays true to the tradition of the original Crown Royal Reserve offering while elevating the flavour profile with more pronounced fruity notes," master blender Mark Balkenende said. "This expression enhances what makes Reserve unique within the Crown Royal portfolio, now featuring the exciting addition of an age statement that provides a more elevated experience for our consumers." The expression is bottled at 40% ABV and priced at US$50. It will be available nationwide starting this month. The whisky shows notes of baking spices on the palate, with pronounced fruit flavour and light notes of vanilla. A lingering, warm finish is punctuated with cinnamon. "[This whisky] represents our commitment to delivering exceptional quality without compromise," brand director James Valdes said. "With this new expression, we've enhanced our Reserve line with an age statement that reflects the craftsmanship and character of the whisky. It's a testament to our dedication to innovation, providing whisky enthusiasts with an approachable yet elevated experience." Crown Royal has sprinkled innovations throughout the year and across categories. In October, the brand released its oldest whisky to date, a 31-year-old blend bottled at 46% ABV and priced at US$600. In June, the brand introduced its first single malt bottled at 45% ABV and priced at US$55. In April, it launched Blackberry, adding to its successful stable of flavoured whiskies, and expanded its ready-to-serve line of bottled cocktails in August with Black Cherry Whisky Sour.