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.
Explore distinctions between Windsor and Crown Royal in this direct comparison, and determine which Canadian Whisky is best 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
Windsor Canadian Whisky vs Crown Royal: Comparison
Windsor Canadian: A budget-friendly whisky with a strong caramel sweetness and a hint of citrus. It’s thin, sweet, and best suited for cocktails due to its overpowering sweetness in neat sips.
Crown Royal: Smooth with a blend of vanilla, caramel, and fruit, creating a light, easy-drinking experience. It’s versatile, perfect for beginners, and excellent for mixing in cocktails, offering a touch of sophistication.
Verdict: Windsor Canadian serves as a cost-effective mixer to make homemade cocktails or when tailgating, while Crown Royal offers a more refined taste and versatility, making it a better choice for those seeking a smooth, easy-drinking whisky with the option to enjoy it in various ways, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Canadian Whisky Best Picks
Windsor Canadian: A Sweet and Simple Canadian Whisky
- Nose: Caramel, citrus, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, rye spice, oak spice
- Finish: Warm, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Crown Royal
Looking for a budget-friendly Canadian whisky for mixing? Windsor Canadian might be worth a try, but keep in mind its limitations.
What’s it like?
- Nose: Strong alcohol aroma that eases into sweet caramel with a touch of orange.
- Taste: Light and thin, with a smooth but overly sweet flavor. Think strong vanilla, caramel, light rye spice, and a hint of oak bitterness.
- Finish: Mainly sweet with a warming sensation.
Not for sipping neat: The sweetness and warm finish make it less enjoyable for straight drinking.
However, it can work in cocktails: Windsor Canadian’s light body and sweetness can be useful in mixed drinks. Use it cautiously as the sweetness might overpower other flavors and potentially contribute to a hangover.
Here’s a quick rundown of Windsor Canadian:
- No age statement.
- Made with rye, corn, wheat, and barley (amounts unknown).
- Owned by the U.S.-based Prestige Beverage Group.
Remember, Windsor Canadian is a basic, affordable option best suited for mixing in cocktails.
Crown Royal: Smooth and Easy-Drinking 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: Alberta Premium
Looking for a smooth and easy-to-sip Canadian whisky? Crown Royal might be your answer.
What’s it like?
- Nose: Light and sweet with hints of vanilla, caramel, pear, and a touch of alcohol.
- Taste: Thin and watery on the tongue, with upfront rye spice and clove followed by vanilla, pear, and apple.
- Finish: Short-lived with a mild oak and caramel aftertaste.
Good for beginners?
Absolutely! Its smooth taste and mild character make it a great starting point for exploring Canadian whisky or spirits in general.
While not complex, Crown Royal offers decent spice, making it a good choice for cocktails, especially the classic Old Fashioned. It also mixes well with Coke and ginger ale, adding to its versatility.
Not the most exciting drink, but dependable for those seeking a smooth and mixable whisky. And hey, each bottle comes with a stylish purple pouch!
Here’s some extra info:
- Made from a blend of 50 whiskies aged at least 10 years.
- High rye content in the mash bill.
- Produced in Manitoba, Canada.
- One of the world’s largest whisky inventories.
So, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly Canadian whisky or a reliable mixing option, give Crown Royal a try!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Windsor | $11 | 750ml |
| Crown Royal | $41 | 1L |