Before the 30 Year came the 29, and for a time this was the oldest whisky Crown Royal had ever released. It remains one of the most collectible bottles the brand has made, for a straightforward reason: only six thousand bottles were produced, a figure Crown Royal states plainly, and there will not be more. The whisky comes from the Gimli distillery in Manitoba, and the presentation is unmistakable, with a crown shaped crystal decanter resting in a purple and gold brocade bag with a gold cord, packed in a ribbed collector's box. Twenty nine years is remarkable for North American whisky. Evaporation compounds relentlessly and most spirit is either lost to the angels or ruined by oak long before that point, so what survives to be bottled is a small fraction of what went into barrel. The character here is defined by Canadian rye grain, and even after nearly three decades that spice has not been sanded away by wood. In the glass it is deep amber with mahogany lights. The nose leads on baking spices, orchard fruit and toasted oak, developing dried fig and a warm tobacco note with time. The palate is where the age tells, full bodied and layered, carrying rye spice against robust licorice, ripe fruit, toffee and a touch of vanilla, with a texture that has turned genuinely silky. The finish is exceptionally long, rich and warming, and it closes sweet without ever becoming cloying. Drink it neat, or with a single rock at most. This is a bottle for a milestone, and one worth keeping the box for.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada |
| Region |
Gimli, Manitoba |
| Category |
Blended Canadian Whisky |
| Expression |
Extra Rare, Aged 29 Years |
| Age |
29 years |
| Maturation |
Oak barrels |
| Production |
6,000 bottles |
| Presentation |
Crystal decanter, purple and gold brocade bag, collector's box |
| Producer |
Diageo |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with mahogany glints.
Nose: Baking spices lead, with subtle orchard fruit, toasted oak, dried fig and a warm tobacco note.
Palate: Full bodied and layered, with Canadian rye spice, robust licorice, ripe orchard fruit, toffee and a touch of vanilla over a silky texture.
Finish: Exceptionally long and warming, rich and robust yet balanced, closing gently sweet.
FAQ
What proof is Crown Royal Aged 29 Years? It is bottled at 92 proof, or 46 percent alcohol by volume.
How many bottles were made? Six thousand. Crown Royal states the figure directly, and the release has not been repeated.
How does it differ from the Aged 30 Years? They are separate releases. The 29 Year came first and was capped at six thousand bottles, and it is distinguished visually by its purple and gold brocade bag. The 30 Year arrived later with a cream bag and gold box.
Why is a twenty nine year old Canadian whisky unusual? Evaporation loss compounds over decades and most spirit becomes overly oaked long before that age, so very little survives in a condition worth bottling.
How should I drink it? Neat, or with a single rock at most. At this age dilution costs more than it gains, and the whisky is not intended for mixing.
Where can I buy Crown Royal Aged 29 Years online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
