Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:45 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Black Velvet vs Crown Royal in this head-to-head comparison and decide which 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
Black Velvet vs Crown Royal: Comparison
Black Velvet: Dominated by vanilla and corn on the nose, but disappoints on the palate with ethanol and an odd cotton candy sweetness, finishing with bitter notes. 80 proof.
Crown Royal: Offers a gentle nose of vanilla, caramel, and pear, leading to a palate of clove and ripe fruit with a short caramel and oak spice finish. 80 proof.
The Verdict: “Black Velvet and Crown Royal present two distinct approaches to Canadian whisky. Black Velvet struggles to find its footing, overshadowed by odd flavors and not the best finish, yet provides an option to make cocktails on a budget. Crown Royal maintains a smooth and approachable profile, making it a better choice for those seeking a lighter whisky experience suitable for casual sipping or mixing in cocktails.”, states whisky expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Crown Royal Top Substitutes
Black Velvet: A Review That Prioritizes Transparency
- Nose: Vanilla, corn, ethanol
- Palate: Oak, ethanol, cotton candy, oak spice
- Finish: Nail polish
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Canadian Mist
Aromas: Black Velvet presents a straightforward nose dominated by notes of vanilla and corn, accompanied by a noticeable presence of alcohol.
Palate: Unfortunately, the initial promise fades on the palate. The whisky lacks body and is heavily influenced by oak and ethanol, resulting in a harshness that overshadows any other flavors. An unwelcome sweetness reminiscent of cotton candy emerges, but quickly turns bitter with a lingering oak spice.
Finish: The short finish amplifies the unpleasantness with a distinct nail polish note, making it far from a pleasurable experience.
Mixing Potential: Even adding Coke fails to mask the off-putting character of Black Velvet. The nail polish note stubbornly persists, rendering it unsuitable for cocktails.
Conclusion: It is with regret that I cannot offer any positive insights about the taste of Black Velvet. Compared to Heaven Hill’s commendable offerings like Evan Williams, which shines in both flavor and value, Black Velvet falls short in every aspect.
Facts & Additional Notes:
- Aged for 3 years, primarily composed of corn in the mashbill.
- Produced at The Black Velvet distillery in Canada.
- Owned by U.S.-based Heaven Hill, known for other well-regarded brands.
Crown Royal: Smooth But Subtle, A Canadian Classic
- 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
Sweet & Light: Crown Royal’s nose is like a gentle whisper, offering hints of vanilla, caramel, and pear with a touch of warmth. While smooth, it doesn’t boast a full body compared to other whiskies.
Spice & Balance: On the palate, rye spices like clove take center stage, followed by subtle notes of vanilla, pear, and apple. It lacks complexity, but the sweetness offers balance.
Quick Finish: The finish is brief, leaving a whisper of caramel and oak spice before fading away. While not mind-blowing, it’s clean and easygoing.
Easy Sipper, Great Intro: Crown Royal shines as a smooth and approachable Canadian whisky, making it perfect for casual sipping or as an introduction to the world of whiskies.
Cocktail Charmer: Its smoothness translates well to cocktails, particularly Old Fashioneds. While not the spiciest option, it mixes well with Coke and ginger ale, making it versatile.
The Velvet Touch: Bonus points for the iconic purple velvet pouch, which adds a touch of luxury and keeps your bottle safe.
Crown Royal Facts:
- Blended from 50 whiskies across 5 recipes.
- Aged for at least 10 years.
- High rye content creates a distinct spice profile.
- Produced in Gimli, Manitoba, with a massive inventory.
- Owned by Di mówiągeo, a major spirits company.
In conclusion: Crown Royal might not be the most complex whisky, but its smoothness, subtle sweetness, and versatility make it a reliable choice for easy drinking and classic cocktails. Just keep in mind its lighter profile before you dive in.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price | Bottle Size |
| Black Velvet | $14 | 1L |
| Crown Royal | $40 | 1L |