Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel is a single barrel Canadian whisky that offers a rare, unblended look into the heart of the Crown Royal blend. While the classic Crown Royal is a marriage of 50 different whiskies, this expression isolates one of its most prized and flavorful components: the Coffey Rye, a high rye whisky named for the special Coffey column still on which it is distilled at the distillery in Gimli, Manitoba. It is one of the 50 finest whiskies that go into the Crown Royal De Luxe blend, here bottled entirely on its own. Built on a bourbon like high rye mash bill of 64 percent corn, 31.5 percent rye and 4.5 percent malted barley, and matured in new charred oak barrels, it is bottled at a robust 103 proof, considerably punchier than the standard 80 proof Crown Royal and a profile that appeals strongly to bourbon and rye enthusiasts. Because it is drawn from a single hand selected barrel, every bottling carries its own unique character. It pours a rich golden amber and opens with an inviting nose of sweet apple, fresh oak, mild vanilla, butterscotch and a delicate floral rose petal note with hints of baking spice. The palate is creamy and full bodied, weaving toasted oak, honey, lemongrass and vanilla bean with a lively sprinkle of rye spice, and the finish is long and robust, revealing toasted oak, caramel and dark fruits like cherry and red grape. A higher proof, single barrel expression made in limited quantities, it is a treat for any whisky lover. Enjoy it neat, with a few drops of water, or in a bold cocktail.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Crown Royal |
| Producer |
The Crown Royal Company (Diageo); Gimli, Manitoba, Canada |
| Category |
Blended Canadian Whisky (single barrel) |
| Expression |
Hand Selected Barrel (Coffey Rye) |
| Mashbill |
64% Corn, 31.5% Rye, 4.5% Malted Barley (high rye) |
| Age |
Aged in new oak (~7 years) |
| Maturation |
New charred oak barrels; single barrel |
| ABV |
51.5% |
| Proof |
103 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich golden amber.
Nose: Sweet apple, fresh oak, mild vanilla, butterscotch and floral rose petal with baking spice.
Palate: Creamy and full bodied, toasted oak, honey, lemongrass and vanilla bean with rye spice.
Finish: Long and robust with toasted oak, caramel and dark fruits like cherry and red grape.
FAQ
What is Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel? It is a single barrel Canadian whisky drawn entirely from Crown Royal's Coffey Rye, one of the key component whiskies at the heart of the Crown Royal blend.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 51.5 percent alcohol by volume, which is 103 proof, notably higher than standard Crown Royal.
What is the mash bill? A high rye, bourbon like recipe of 64 percent corn, 31.5 percent rye and 4.5 percent malted barley, aged in new charred oak.
Does it vary bottle to bottle? Yes. Each release is a single hand selected barrel, so character varies from barrel to barrel while the proof stays at 103.
How should I drink it? Neat, with a few drops of water, or in a bold cocktail.
Where can I buy Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
