Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:45 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.
Uncover distinctions between Caribou Crossing and Crown Royal in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which whisky suits your preference!
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
Caribou Crossing vs Crown Royal: Head-to-Head
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel: A light Canadian whisky with a nose of caramel, vanilla, and nuts. Its palate mixes rye spice with vanilla and caramel, offering a short, oaky finish. Best enjoyed neat for a smooth sip.
Crown Royal: A smooth Canadian blend with vanilla, caramel, and pear on the nose. The palate is gentle, mixing spice with ripe fruits, ending in a brief caramel and oak finish. Great on the rocks or in cocktails.
Verdict: Both whiskies present unique Canadian flavors. Caribou Crossing is for those who appreciate a light sip. Crown Royal suits those looking for a versatile, easygoing drink. Each shines in its own right, offering pleasant experiences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Alternatives to Crown Royal
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel: A Mixed Review
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts
- Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, baking spice, caramel, oak
- Finish: Short, rye spice, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Rock Hill Farms
Aroma: Caribou Crossing greets the nose with a pleasant and delicate scent featuring hints of caramel, vanilla, and roasted peanuts.
Flavor: While the aroma is inviting, the first impression on the palate feels a bit muted. It feels somewhat thin, offering mild rye spice and vanilla alongside baking spices and caramel. A subtle presence of oak lingers in the background. The finish is brief and dry, lacking warmth, with a lingering aftertaste of rye spice and oak.
Sipping or Mixing? The recommendation is to enjoy Caribou Crossing neat, as it goes down smoothly without any harshness.
Considerations: While marketed as the first Canadian Single Barrel Whisky since the 19th century, Caribou Crossing has received mixed reviews. Some find it uninspiring for its price point, particularly considering its lack of complexity and character compared to other whiskies. It is bottled at a lower proof (80) than many other options and, under Canadian regulations, may contain artificial coloring and flavorings, which is not allowed for Bourbon.
Beyond the Bottle:
- Caribou Crossing Single Barrel has no age statement, suggesting it was likely aged for around three years.
- The exact mash bill is undisclosed, although it has a noticeable rye influence.
- The whisky is distilled at the Old Montreal Distillery and bottled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
In summary, Caribou Crossing offers a light and easy-drinking experience with a pleasant aroma but a somewhat muted flavor profile.
Crown Royal: A Smooth and Easygoing Canadian Whisky
- 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: Jack Daniel’s
Aroma: Crown Royal presents a delicate and sweet nose, offering subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, pear, and a faint touch of alcohol.
Flavor: While Crown Royal has a light and smooth texture, it lacks the robust mouthfeel of some other whiskies. The initial taste offers a gentle blend of rye spice and clove, balanced by subtle notes of vanilla, pear, and apple. The finish is short, leaving a fleeting impression of oak spice and caramel.
Sipping or Mixing? Crown Royal’s mildness makes it a great starting point for whisky newcomers or those who prefer a lighter spirit. Its smooth texture and subtle spice also make it a solid choice for cocktails, particularly in classic drinks like the Old Fashioned. It blends well with cola and ginger ale, adding versatility to its repertoire.
Beyond the Bottle:
- Crown Royal Deluxe is a blend of 50 whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 10 years.
- While not technically a rye whiskey, its mash bill contains a significant rye content, contributing to its spicy character.
- Produced in Manitoba, Canada, Crown Royal is owned by Diageo and boasts one of the world’s largest whisky inventories, exceeding 1.5 million barrels.
In summary, Crown Royal offers a smooth and approachable Canadian whisky experience. Its light body and gentle flavor profile make it a good choice for new drinkers or those seeking a versatile mixer. While not the most complex whisky, its reliability and smooth taste have earned it a loyal following.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Caribou Crossing | $75 | 750ml |
| Crown Royal Deluxe | $41 | 1L |