Crown Royal vs Seagram's VO: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:13 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 Crown Royal vs Seagram’s VO in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whiskey 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

Crown Royal vs Seagram’s VO: Comparison

Crown Royal: Offers a smooth and sweet journey through Canadian whisky, characterized by its vanilla, caramel, and pear notes. It’s versatile, making it ideal for both sipping and mixing, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Seagram’s VO: Provides an uncomplicated Canadian whisky experience, focusing on rye spice and vanilla with a light palate and a medium, slightly bitter finish. It’s best suited for those looking for an affordable mixer in cocktails.

Verdict: Crown Royal is a top choice for those seeking smooth whisky for both neat sipping and cocktail creativity. Seagram’s VO, while not particularly complex, serves as a budget-friendly mixer for casual drinking occasions, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Crown Royal: Smooth & Sweet Canadian Charm, Ideal for Sipping & Mixing

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

Crown Royal whisks you away to a world of smooth and polite flavors, making it a versatile choice for both sipping and mixing.

Sniff and you’ll be greeted by: a subtle yet sweet aroma, filled with notes of vanilla, caramel, and pear, gently kissed by a touch of warming alcohol.

Take a sip, and prepare for a gentle experience. While the texture is light, the flavor initially presents a spicy kick of rye and clove. This is quickly tamed by hints of vanilla and sweet fruits like pear and apple, creating a balanced and easy-going experience.

The finish is short and sweet, leaving behind lingering traces of caramel and oak spice.

Crown Royal is more about subtlety than complexity. It embodies the classic smooth characteristics of Canadian whisky, making it a perfect first step for those exploring the world of spirits or curious about Canadian offerings.

But don’t underestimate its versatility:

Smooth sipping: Enjoy it neat or on the rocks for a relaxing and approachable experience.
Cocktail chameleon: Its mild profile blends well in classics like the Old Fashioned, adding a touch of spice and sweetness.
Mixer friendly: Mix it with cola, ginger ale, or other mixers for refreshing and easy-drinking cocktails.

Bonus facts:

Crafted from a blend of 50 different whiskies, aged for a minimum of 10 years.
High rye content contributes to its distinctive spice.
Massive production assures consistent quality and availability.
Owned by Diageo, a leading spirits company.

Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or just starting out, Crown Royal offers a smooth and welcoming journey into the world of Canadian whisky. So, uncork a bottle and experience its charm for yourself!

Seagram’s VO: An Uncomplicated Canadian Whisky for Mixing

Nose: Nail polish, apricot, lemon, rye
Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, sour apple, cinnamon
Finish: Medium length, bitter
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Canadian Club

Seagram’s VO presents a straightforward whisky experience, ideal for those seeking a no-frills option for mixing or casual sipping.

The aroma offers subtle hints: a faint whiff followed by glimpses of apricot, lemon, and rye spice.

The palate is light and uncomplicated. Expect a thin texture with a flavor profile largely focused on alcohol and generic whisky character. There are fleeting notes of rye spice, artificial vanilla, sour apple, and cinnamon, but they don’t linger.

The finish is moderate, leaving behind a slightly bitter aftertaste.

While not complex or mind-blowing, Seagram’s VO is easy to drink and won’t overwhelm your palate. However, the bitterness might make it less suitable for dedicated sipping.

Where it shines:

Budget-friendly choice: Its affordable price point makes it a good option for mixing inexpensive cocktails.
Mixability: The straightforward profile blends well in highballs, coolers, and other mixed drinks.

Bonus facts: