Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye made history in 2016 by being named World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible — a global recognition of the extraordinary potential of Canadian rye grain and the cold-climate craftsmanship of Crown Royal’s distillery in Gimli, Manitoba. Crafted with a 90% northern winter rye mash bill, it delivers a distinctively smooth yet robust flavour profile: baked apple, cereal grain, and light honeysuckle on the nose; custard and vanilla transitioning into a vibrant, spicy rye kick on the palate; and a long, smooth, creamy finish with lingering white pepper and wood spice. Bold enough for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Smooth enough to enjoy neat. The gold standard in Canadian whisky. In a litre.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Warm, rich amber — the inviting colour of a Canadian rye whisky crafted from a 90% northern winter rye mash bill and distilled in the cold climate of Gimli, Manitoba, where the conditions help develop its unique, crisp character.
Aroma
Baked apple, cereal grain, and light honeysuckle with a touch of oak — the distinctive, expressive, and rye-forward bouquet of the 2016 World Whisky of the Year. Clean, precise, and unmistakeably Canadian.
Palate
Gentle notes of custard and vanilla transition into a vibrant, spicy rye kick — the 90% rye mash bill front and centre, delivering deep spicy complexity without sacrificing the velvety mouthfeel that Crown Royal is famous for. Sophisticated, bold, and beautifully balanced.
Pairs With
A natural companion for classic cocktails — the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whisky Sour — where the bold spice and creamy mouthfeel of Northern Harvest Rye hold up beautifully, or savoured neat to appreciate the full complexity of 90% northern winter rye. The gold standard in Canadian whisky. Versatile enough for any occasion.
Finish
Long, smooth, and creamy — lingering notes of white pepper and wood spice that speak to the quality and craftsmanship of a whisky that was named the best in the world. A finish that earns its reputation.
