Drink of the Day: Crown Royal XR (Canada)
A rare exploration of Canadian distilling history through the Extra Rare series
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Drink of the Day: Crown Royal XR (Canada)
Crown Royal XR, or Extra Rare, stands as a premium expression within the storied Crown Royal portfolio. This limited-release whisky is celebrated for its inclusion of aged spirits from historic, shuttered distilleries. It represents a bridge between the modern production of Canadian whisky and the legacy of the industry's past.
Company History
The history of Crown Royal is tied to the Seagram company, which was led by Samuel Bronfman. In 1939, Bronfman created the original Crown Royal blend to honor the first visit of a reigning British monarch, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, to Canada. Following the decline of the Seagram empire, the brand was acquired by the British multinational conglomerate Diageo in 2000. Today, the primary production of the whisky occurs at the Gimli Distillery located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba.
Product History
The Crown Royal XR series was introduced in 2006 to showcase rare, aged whiskies that can no longer be produced. The first edition utilized the final remaining barrels from the Waterloo Distillery in Ontario, which ceased operations in the early 1990s. Subsequent releases have featured stocks from the LaSalle Distillery in Quebec, a site originally opened by the Bronfman family in 1924. These whiskies are carefully selected by master blenders to create a complex profile that distinguishes the XR line from the standard Crown Royal offerings.
Review
Crown Royal XR is widely regarded by enthusiasts as a sophisticated and rare sipping whisky. Based on professional assessments from The Whiskey Wash, InsideHook, and CanadianWhisky.org, the spirit receives an average score of 88 out of 100. Reviewers consistently highlight the depth of flavor provided by the inclusion of heritage stocks from the LaSalle and Waterloo distilleries. The consensus among critics is that the whisky offers a refined experience that justifies its status as a premium, limited-edition product.
Serving Guide
Glassware: Glencairn glass or heavy-bottomed rocks glass | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 40%
Serving Suggestions
- Serve neat to fully appreciate the complex notes of oak and dried fruit.
- Add a single large ice cube to slowly open the aromatics of the aged blend.
- Pair with dark chocolate or aged cheeses to complement the creamy mouthfeel.
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Drink of the Day feature with 3-source review by the PENN Food & Spirits Desk.
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PENN's lifestyle and culinary department, covering global cuisine — the origins, traditions, and recipes behind the world's dishes, with deep histories and cultural context that go beyond the plate. and PENN's beverage-focused culinary team, dedicated to spirits and drinks — covering distilleries, breweries, and producers worldwide, with histories, tasting notes, professional reviews, and cocktail traditions.
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