Lot No. 40 vs Crown Royal

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:28 pm

Discover the differences between Lot No. 40 vs Crown Royal in this in-depth comparison and decide which Canadian Whisky is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Lot No. 40 vs Crown Royal: Comparison

Lot No. 40: A refreshing rye with a nose of grass and mint, a smooth palate of caramel and vanilla, and a long, spicy finish. Perfect for rye beginners.

Crown Royal: A classic Canadian blend with a sweet nose of vanilla and caramel, a light, spicy palate, and a quick, oak-spiced finish. Ideal for casual sipping and cocktails.

Verdict: Lot No. 40 offers a unique, smooth take on rye for those exploring beyond traditional profiles, while Crown Royal delivers classic, easy-drinking smoothness, making both excellent choices for a variety of whisky enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Whiskeys that taste like Crown Royal

Lot No. 40: A Smooth Rye Journey, But Does it Pack a Punch?

• Nose: Grass, mint, clove, honey
• Palate: Caramel, vanilla, spice, mint, grass
• Finish: Long, spice, orange, rubber
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Alberta Premium

Lot No. 40 entices with a fresh aroma of grass and mint, accented by warm hints of clove and honey.

On the palate, it glides in with a medium body and a surprisingly smooth and sweet profile. Expect a delightful medley of caramel, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove.

The finish offers a pleasant surprise: longer than expected, with no burn, it lingers with notes of orange, rye spice, oak spice, and a subtle rubber whisper.

Is it good? Absolutely! It’s a smooth and easy sipper, perfect for those new to rye whiskey. However, those seeking an intense rye punch for cocktails might find it a bit light.

Cocktail Champion or Solo Star?

• Sipping: Lot No. 40 shines neat or with a touch of water, letting its diverse flavors bloom.
• Cocktails: While enjoyable in classics like Old Fashioneds, its subtlety might not overpower stronger ingredients.

Lot No. 40 Facts:

• 100% Rye: Blending 90% Canadian rye with 10% malted rye for a unique character.
• Single-Pot Distillation: Crafted in a singular 12,000-liter copper pot-still for concentrated flavor.
• Aged Mystery: No official age statement, but whispers suggest around 3 years.
• Hiram Walker Home: Produced at the renowned Hiram Walker Distillery in Ontario.
• Big Family: Part of the Pernod Ricard family, including Glenlivet and Chivas Regal.

Ready to explore the smooth side of rye with Lot No. 40? While it might not be a cocktail knockout, it’s a delightful journey for rye enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Crown Royal: Smooth Yet Simple – A Canadian Classic for Beginners

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, pear, ethanol
• Palate: Spice, clove, vanilla, ripe fruit
• Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Canadian Mist

Crown Royal welcomes you with a soft sweetness of vanilla, caramel, and pear, with a touch of alcohol warming the entrance.

On the palate, it’s light and smooth, but may feel a bit thin to seasoned whiskey drinkers. Expect a burst of rye spice and clove upfront, followed by balanced notes of vanilla, pear, and apple.

The finish is subtle, leaving hints of caramel and oak spice. While not complex, it offers a clean and easygoing sip.

Is it good? Definitely! For those new to whiskey, Crown Royal provides a gentle introduction with its smoothness and mildness. It’s perfect for sipping casually or mixing into refreshing cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Cokes, or ginger ales.

While not the most intricate whiskey, it shines as a versatile and approachable base. Plus, the distinctive purple velvet pouch adds a touch of class.

Bonus Crown Royal Facts:

• This iconic blend combines 50 whiskies aged at least 10 years.
• You’ll find a prominent rye influence in the flavor profile.
• It’s crafted at the massive Gimli Distillery in Canada, home to over 1.5 million barrels!
• The brand belongs to Diageo, known for Johnnie Walker and other spirits.

Ready to explore the approachable smoothness of Crown Royal? It’s a great starting point for your whiskey journey.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price	Size
Lot No. 40	$40	750ml
Crown Royal	$42	1L