Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Canadian Rye Whiskey.
Type: Blended whiskey, crafted from 90% rye mash whiskey.
Distillation & Maturation Process: The Canadian rye grain is planted in the fall and grows until covered by winter snow. After the snow melts, the rye matures over spring and summer, creating a grain ideal for whiskey.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color & Clarity: Appears darker due to the bottle's thickness, which suggests a deeper color when light travels through it.
Bottle Design: Comes in a full liter bottle at 45% ABV, packaged in a sand-colored sack with a curtain ribbon. The bottle features the imperial crown of Elizabeth II on the screw cap and is noted for its thicker glass.

Balance of Flavors: Described as unbalanced, with a strong, sharp, and intense profile.
Unique Characteristics: Dominant rye notes, hints of fruit, cloves, and spice. The flavor transitions from sharp and spicy to smooth and creamy, with a noticeable vanilla presence.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but noted for its distinctiveness and intensity compared to the more balanced and elegant Crown Royal XR.

Anecdotes: The whisky was awarded the best whisky of the year in 2016 by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, a decision that the host, Luening, personally disagrees with, highlighting the subjective nature of whisky tasting.

Significance: The whisky's production process is closely tied to the Canadian climate, utilizing the unique growth cycle of Canadian rye grain, which is adapted to the country's winters. This aspect is crucial to the whisky's flavor profile.

Opinions: Luening finds the whisky to be unbalanced and not deserving of the title "best whisky of the year 2016." He prefers the Crown Royal XR for its balance and elegance.
Quotes: "It's so unbalanced. It's quite interesting, welcoming in the nose, but showing already there's more to come."

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is a Canadian blended whiskey, notable for its 90% rye mash composition.
The whisky's flavor profile is sharp, intense, and dominated by rye, with transitions from spicy to smooth and creamy.
Awarded best whisky of 2016 by Jim Murray, a decision not fully endorsed by the reviewer due to its unbalanced nature.
The production process emphasizes the unique Canadian climate's role in the rye grain's growth cycle.
The reviewer prefers the Crown Royal XR for its balance and elegance over the Northern Harvest Rye.

Rye Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for strong, spicy rye flavors might find this whisky intriguing.
Collectors: Given its accolade and potential rarity, collectors might be interested in acquiring a bottle.
Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals looking for a unique, intense whisky experience may appreciate the distinct profile of the Northern Harvest Rye.
Whisky Connoisseurs: Experienced drinkers who enjoy dissecting unbalanced and complex flavor profiles could find this whisky a fascinating study.