Crown Royal XO is a refined, premium expression from Canada's best selling whisky brand, an elegant blend of more than 50 of Crown Royal's finest whiskies finished in cognac casks. Crown Royal was created in 1939 by Sam Bronfman of the House of Seagram as a gift worthy of royalty, crafted to honor the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the first reigning British monarchs to tour Canada, and presented to them in a cut glass decanter and regal purple bag with gold stitching. XO builds on that legacy through a distinctive secondary maturation: after the signature blend of Canadian rye, corn and barley whiskies is married together, it is finished in casks that previously held fine French cognac. As the residual grape spirit and wine character in the wood migrates into the whisky, it lends richer dried fruit complexity, more elegant spice and a smoother, more layered finish than the standard Crown Royal blend, bridging the worlds of Canadian whisky and French cognac. Bottled at 80 proof, it pours a warm golden amber and opens with an inviting nose of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla and light oak. The palate is rich and balanced, weaving toffee, dark and orchard fruit, baked apple, creamy cereal, dried apricot and subtle rye spice over smooth oak, and the finish is long, silky and warming with lingering sweetness and a gentle cognac influence. A gold medal winner at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it makes a sophisticated sipping whisky, wonderful neat in a Glencairn or over a single ice cube, and equally elegant in a spirit forward Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Presented in a handsome gift box and bag, it is a polished pour and a thoughtful gift.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Crown Royal |
| Producer |
The Crown Royal Company (Diageo); Gimli, Manitoba, Canada |
| Category |
Blended Canadian Whisky (cognac cask finished) |
| Expression |
XO |
| Composition |
Blend of 50+ Canadian whiskies |
| Maturation |
Finished in cognac casks (previously held French cognac) |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm golden amber.
Nose: Dried fruit, caramel, vanilla and light oak.
Palate: Rich toffee, dark and orchard fruit, baked apple, dried apricot and subtle rye spice over smooth oak.
Finish: Long, silky and warming with lingering sweetness and gentle cognac influence.
FAQ
What makes Crown Royal XO different from the original? XO is finished in cognac casks, a secondary maturation that adds dried fruit richness, elegant spice and extra smoothness beyond the standard Crown Royal blend.
How many whiskies are in the blend? More than 50 whiskies are blended to create Crown Royal XO.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, which is 80 proof.
Is it a flavored whisky? No. The fruit and spice character comes from the cognac cask finish, not from any added flavors.
How should I drink it? Neat in a Glencairn, over a single ice cube, or in a spirit forward Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Where can I buy Crown Royal XO online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
