Crown Royal is the world's most well-known Canadian whiskey brand, selling 7.7 million liters of cases worldwide in 2023. In 2024, the Diageo-owned brand launched a number of innovative products, including its first single malt. Now, as part of the Master's Series, it's announcing its oldest blend yet: Crown Royal 31.
“Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is our rarest varietal to date and makes the perfect addition to any luxury spirits collection,” Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, said in a press release. “This whiskey has been patiently aged for over thirty years and is a true representation of the journey we have embarked on to create something extraordinary.”
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For context, Bill Clinton was sworn in as President of the United States when Crown Royal released the barrels to make this whiskey, and Jurassic Park hit theaters. And as someone who recently turned 30, older than me, holding a bottle full of liquid is surreal. While the liquid sat in vats for decades, I learned to walk and talk, graduated from high school and college, started a career, and got engaged. So, when I open the bottle to taste, the significance of all this time is not lost on me.
Bottled at 46 percent ABV, the juice is slightly stronger than the flagship Crown Royal. When poured into a glass, whiskey emits scents of baking spice, apple and oak. On the palate, there is more spice that complements the fruit and vanilla notes. The finish leaves a warm, spicy mouthfeel, like the bite of a fresh apple pie.
Chris Hatler
A must buy for Crown Royal fans. But don't expect the bottles to stay around for long. Like many whiskeys with such a high age statement, Crown Royal 31 is a special offering. It's available for $600 in select regions for a limited time only. To make the launch even more special, the brand packaged the bottle in a commemorative box and its signature purple bag.
If you miss this one, given the brand's history, there may be an older version coming next year. The two players previously added to the Master's Series were 29 and 30 years old. While I'd like to continue tasting Canadian whiskey that's older than me, there's no guarantee the brand will continue the trend, so look for Crown Royal 31 while you can.
As for me, I hope to finish my bottle before my next birthday.
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