Canadian Whisky Crown Royal Noble Collection Barley Edition

The Crown Royal Noble Collection Barley Edition is a limited-edition blended Canadian whisky, and it holds a significant place as the seventh and final release in Crown Royal’s esteemed Noble Collection series. This series was dedicated to exploring unique blending techniques, maturation processes, and distillation methods.

Key Characteristics:

• Final Noble Collection Release: This expression marks the culmination of the highly regarded Noble Collection.

• Barley-Focused Blend: Unlike most Canadian whiskies which are typically corn or rye-heavy, this blend is crafted predominantly from barley grains. Specifically, it’s a blend of whiskies distilled from 85% unmalted barley and 15% malted barley. This mash bill gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from other Crown Royal expressions.

• Aging: Aged for a minimum of 5 years in charred oak barrels. While this isn’t an extremely long age statement for a “Noble Collection” release, the focus is on the unique barley character developed during this period.

• Proof: Bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof), offering a good balance of flavor intensity and smoothness.

• Release Date: It was revealed in April 2023.

• Premium Positioning: As part of the Noble Collection, it’s considered a premium and often sought-after release.

Tasting Notes (General Expectations):

The barley-forward mash bill gives this whisky a unique profile, often described as a lighter take on a malt whisky.

• Nose: Expect aromas of creamy vanilla and fruity green apple. Reviewers also note nuances like sweet herbal notes (mint, tarragon), sweet anisette cookies, grape jelly, sweetened oatmeal, caramel, cereal, and roasted almond. Some also detect a musty barn, leather, or tobacco.

• Palate: On the palate, it delivers spicy notes of toasted oak and sweet caramel. It can be described as having sweet malt and ripe barley flavors. Other notes include buttered corn, cinnamon, ginger, chai, lemon zest, black tea, raspberries, and hints of chocolate orange or glazed fruit tart. The mouthfeel has been noted as creamy and effervescent.

• Finish: Generally described as warm and rounded, with a smooth and sweet character. It can also have a dry finish with lingering notes of sweet oak and spice.

Awards & Recognition:

• Rated 93 points by Whisky Advocate and ranked #17 in their Top 20 Whiskies of 2023.

• Received positive reviews from critics and consumers for its unique approach to Canadian whisky.

Overall Impression:

The Crown Royal Noble Collection Barley Edition is a fascinating and well-executed experiment in Canadian whisky production. By focusing on a barley-heavy mash bill, Crown Royal created an expression that offers a departure from their traditional blends, leaning into maltier and sometimes lighter characteristics while maintaining their signature smoothness. It’s a highly collectible item as the final Noble Collection release and appeals to whisky enthusiasts looking to explore unique grain expressions within the Canadian whisky category. It’s best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its distinct flavor profile.

The cost varies according to your country of residence.

Once you receive the order at home, you have a period of 14 calendar days to manage the return or report an issue for free through your online account. Read more on our Shipping & Returns page.