Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:10 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 distinctions between Crown Royal and Kirkland Canadian Whisky in this comprehensive comparison to decide your preferred option.
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
Crown Royal vs Kirkland Canadian Whisky: Comparison
Crown Royal: A smooth blend of vanilla, caramel, and fruit, with a light body and a quick finish. Perfect for newcomers and mixing in cocktails, adding a touch of elegance.
Kirkland Canadian Whisky: Offers a straightforward, sweet profile with vanilla and maple, suited for mixing. An economical choice without major flaws, ideal for budget-conscious drinkers.
Key Fact: Kirkland Canadian Whisky is not produced by Crown Royal but by Sazerac (Buffalo Trace), which also makes Kirkland Bourbon and is a competitor of Crown Royal’s.
Verdict: Crown Royal delivers a more refined experience with its smoothness and mixability, while Kirkland Canadian Whisky provides a simple, cost-effective option for everyday mixing, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Canadian Whisky Rankings
Crown Royal: 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: Seagram’s VO
Sweet and Spicy:
Crown Royal greets your nose with a gentle sweetness of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of pear, with a hint of alcohol in the background.
Light and Easy Drinking:
On the taste, it’s smooth and light, almost watery, with a mix of rye spice and clove upfront, followed by vanilla, pear, and apple flavors.
Quick Finish:
The finish is short, leaving a mild oak and caramel aftertaste.
Great for Beginners and Mixing:
Crown Royal’s mildness makes it easy to drink, perfect for those new to Canadian whisky or spirits in general. While it may not be complex, it offers a pleasant spice, making it a good choice for cocktails, especially the Old Fashioned. It also mixes well with Coke and ginger ale for a refreshing drink.
Dependable and Elegant:
Though not the most exciting whisky, Crown Royal is a reliable option for those who prefer a smooth and mixable spirit. The signature purple velvet pouch adds a touch of sophistication.
Crown Royal in a Nutshell:
- Blended whisky from Canada
- Aged at least 10 years
- High rye content, despite not being a rye whiskey
- Made at Gimli Distillery in Manitoba
- Large inventory, making it widely available
- Owned by Diageo
Kirkland Canadian Whisky: A Straightforward Sipper
- Nose: Vanilla, maple, caramel
- Palate: Vanilla, maple, burnt caramel, baking spice
- Finish: Oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Kirkland Bourbon
Light and Sweet:
While the initial aroma is subtle, hints of vanilla, caramel, and maple peek through. On the taste, it’s smooth but light, with upfront sweetness of vanilla and maple, hints of caramel, and a touch of spice.
A Hint of Bitterness:
A slight bitterness and a faint nail polish note develop at the back, followed by a lingering oak spice in the finish.
A Budget-Friendly Choice:
Overall, Kirkland Canadian Whisky offers a typical Canadian whisky experience – it’s sweet, smooth, and easy to drink. While it doesn’t have any exceptional features, it also avoids any major drawbacks.
Great for Mixing:
This affordable whisky is a good option for mixing with cola or other mixers, making it a practical choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Here’s the scoop on Kirkland Canadian Whisky:
- Made in Canada
- Aged for 6 years
- Mash bill: 95% corn, 2% rye, 2% barley
Crown Royal is not the same as Kirkland Canadian Whisky
According to the label, Wide World Importers, owned by Sazerac Company (Buffalo Trace), produces this whisky.
Sazerac is a competitor to Diageo, the London-based company that owns Crown Royal.
Sazerac is also responsible for making Kirkland Bourbon, suggesting that there may be some collaboration between these companies.
While it is possible that the two whiskies were produced at the same distillery, the differences in their mash bills and aging periods create enough distinctions between Crown Royal and Kirkland Canadian.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Crown Royal | $35 | 1.75L |
| Kirkland Canadian Whisky | $20 | 1.75L |