Whisky Review/Tasting: Crown Royal XR

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Initially produced in Montreal on the Île de Montréal, Canada, at the La Salle distillery. The production later moved to the Gimli plant on the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipeg.
Type: Canadian Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Crafted with a small reserve of the final batch of whiskies from the now-closed La Salle distillery.
Age Statement: Not specified, but highlighted as a blend of the final batches from La Salle.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a typical Crown Royal bottle, encased in a royal blue satin bag. The color of the whisky is not explicitly described, but the reviewer suspects it is colored. The bottle features a glass cork with a rubber or soft plastic seal for tightness.

Balance of Flavors: A blend of grain whisky with a heavy, spicy rye whisky, resulting in a rich and complex yet lighter and pleasant profile.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having dried fruit and honey notes with some spiciness. It is not flavored or finished in cognac casks. The taste starts a bit weak and watery but develops into a spicy, slightly peppery aftertaste with sugar notes, bitterness from the rye, and a cocoa taste. The aftertaste is long, warm, and very complex.
Comparison: Noted as distinctly Canadian due to the blend of rye and grain whisky, differing from Scotch or Bourbon.

Anecdotes: The reviewer, Horst Luening, shares the story of the whisky's origin from the La Salle distillery and its significance as one of the final batches. He also mentions Andrew McKay, who learned the art of whisky making in the French part of Canada and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to blend this special whisky.

Significance: The La Salle distillery's location on the Île de Montréal is highlighted for its unique richness attributed to the fine water surrounding the island, drawing a parallel to Manhattan's water sources. The whisky embodies a part of Canadian whisky heritage, especially with its connection to the now-closed La Salle distillery.

Quotes: "It's Canadian style. That means you have rye whisky combined with grain whisky. This leads to different flavors as the Scots or the Kentucky or Tennessee distillers produce."
Opinions: Luening appreciates the bottle design where "the whisky dominates the bottle" and considers Crown Royal XR as one of the better Canadian whiskies, despite its higher price in Europe.

Crown Royal XR is a Canadian whisky crafted from the final batches of the La Salle distillery.
It features a blend of grain and spicy rye whisky, resulting in a rich, complex, and pleasantly light flavor profile.
The whisky is presented in a royal blue satin bag, with a suspected colored liquid inside.
Unique for its Canadian style, it offers a different experience compared to Scotch or Bourbon.
The La Salle distillery's geographical significance and the personal legacy of Andrew McKay add depth to the whisky's story.
Crown Royal XR is recommended for those who appreciate Canadian whisky or are looking for something distinct from Scotch or Bourbon.

For Canadian Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a preference for Canadian whisky will likely appreciate the unique blend and story of Crown Royal XR.
For Collectors: Given its status as one of the final batches from the La Salle distillery, collectors might be interested in acquiring a bottle for its historical significance.
For Whisky Adventurers: Those who enjoy exploring different whisky styles and are open to experiencing the distinct Canadian blend of grain and rye whisky.
For Scotch or Bourbon Lovers: While the reviewer cautions that this whisky is quite different, those looking to expand their palate might find Crown Royal XR an interesting deviation.