Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished is the second release in the prestigious Noble Collection, a series of limited annual releases from the Crown Royal Distilling Company designed to celebrate the craft of master blender Andrew MacKay and the artistry of cask finishing. Originally launched in spring 2017 as a follow up to the 2016 Cornerstone Blend, this expression takes the brand's flagship Fine De Luxe blended Canadian whisky, distilled at the iconic Gimli Distillery in Manitoba, and finishes it for six months in freshly emptied, medium toast American oak Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels sourced from the Paso Robles region of California. The result is a rich, full bodied, and uniquely complex whisky that retains the unmistakable Crown Royal smoothness while gaining new layers of dark fruit, butterscotch, and dried berry from the Cabernet finish. Bottled at 40.5% ABV and 81 proof in a footed crystal style decanter befitting the Noble Collection's premium status, this is a discontinued limited release and a sought after addition to any Crown Royal collector's shelf.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Gimli Distillery, Gimli, Manitoba, Canada |
| Producer |
The Crown Royal Distilling Company (Diageo) |
| Type |
Blended Canadian Whisky — Wine Barrel Finished, Limited Edition |
| Series |
Noble Collection — Second Release |
| Base |
Crown Royal Fine De Luxe blended Canadian whisky |
| Finish |
6 months in medium toast Cabernet Sauvignon barrels (Paso Robles, California) |
| Released |
Spring 2017 |
| ABV |
40.5% |
| Proof |
81 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada |
| Region |
Manitoba |
| Packaging |
Premium footed crystal style decanter with purple Noble Collection label |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with a warm rose tinted glow from the Cabernet finish.
Nose: Heavy fruit and butterscotch up front, layered with black currant, clove, dried blueberry, and red grape. A subtle earthy note of fermented grape leaf adds complexity, with the signature Crown Royal vanilla underneath.
Palate: Caramel and butterscotch lead, joined quickly by red grape, dark berry, and prune. The wine cask influence is clear without overwhelming the base whisky, building through plum, raisin, and a soft layer of vanilla cream.
Finish: Spicy and lingering with oak, anise, and clove, balanced by lingering dark fruit and a final touch of butterscotch sweetness.
FAQ
What is the Crown Royal Noble Collection?
The Noble Collection is Crown Royal's premium limited annual release series, designed to showcase the craft of the master blender through innovative finishing techniques and rare blends. The first release was the Cornerstone Blend in 2016, which won Canadian Whisky of the Year, followed by Wine Barrel Finished in 2017. The series has since included Rye, Bourbon Mash, Winter Wheat, French Oak Cask Finished, and Blender's Mash editions, with each release discontinued after its limited run.
What kind of wine barrels were used?
Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished was finished for six months in freshly emptied, medium toast American oak Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the Paso Robles region of California, one of the United States' premier Cabernet growing regions. The Cabernet influence delivers dark fruit, red grape, and butterscotch notes that complement Crown Royal's creamy backbone.
Is this still in production?
No. The Noble Collection Wine Barrel Finished was a limited annual release in 2017 and has been discontinued since. Remaining stock continues to circulate through select retailers, making this a back vintage and collector's piece for fans of the Crown Royal brand and wine cask finished whiskies.
Where can I buy Crown Royal Noble Collection Wine Barrel Finished online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
