Crown Royal Just Dropped Its Oldest Whisky Ever. Fans Better Act Fast
Crown Royal is the most well-known Canadian whisky brand in the world, selling 7.7 million liter cases worldwide in 2023. In 2024, the Diageo-owned brand has already released a handful of innovative products, including its first single malt. Now, it's announcing it's oldest blend ever as part of its Master's Series: Crown Royal 31.
"Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is our rarest variant to date and serves as the perfect addition to any luxury spirits collection," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, said in a press release. "This whisky has been patiently aging for over three decades, and it's a true representation of the journey we have taken to create something extraordinary."
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For context, when Crown Royal laid down the barrels that would make this whisky, Bill Clinton was just sworn in as U.S. President and Jurassic Park hit theaters. And, as someone who recently turned 30, it's surreal to hold a bottle full of liquid older than me. As the liquid sat in barrels for decades, I learned to walk and talk, graduated high school and college, started a career, and got engaged. So, when I crack the bottle for a taste, the significance of all that time isn't lost on me.
Bottled at 46 percent ABV, the juice is a bit stronger than flagship Crown Royal. Once poured into a glass, the whisky gives off scents of baking spice, apple, and oak. On the palate, there's more baking more spice, which compliments fruit and vanilla notes. The finish leaves a warm spiced feeling in the mouth, like the aftertaste from a bite of a fresh apple pie.
Chris Hatler
It's a must-buy for Crown Royal fans. But don't expect bottles to be around for long. Like many whiskies with such a high age statement, Crown Royal 31 is an exclusive offering. It's only available for a short time in select regions for $600. To make the release extra-special, the brand packaged the bottle inside a commemorative case and its signature purple bag.
If you miss this one, judging by the brand's history, there might be an older release next year. Two previous additions to the Master's Series were aged 29 years and 30 years. As much as I'd like to keep tasting Canadian whisky older than me, there's no guarantee the brand will continue the trend, so seek Crown Royal 31 while you can.
As for me, I hope to finish my bottle before my next birthday.