Crown Royal Northern Harvest is made in Gimli, Manitoba, a province in Canada. The production of this iconic Canadian whisky takes place in the Gimli distillery, which is located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
Gimli, a small town with a rich history, provides the perfect environment for crafting Crown Royal. The distillery itself is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by fields of golden barley and pristine water sources. This location plays a crucial role in the production process, as the quality of the ingredients directly impacts the flavor and character of the whisky.
The distillery in Gimli boasts state-of-the-art facilities, where every step of the whisky-making process is carefully executed. It all starts with the selection of the finest grains, including corn, rye, and malted barley. These grains are sourced from local farmers who have been cultivating them for generations, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply.
Once the grains arrive at the distillery, they undergo a meticulous milling process to break them down into a coarse flour called grist. This grist is then mixed with warm water in large tanks, initiating the mashing process. During mashing, enzymes convert starches into fermentable sugars, creating what is known as the mash.
The mash is transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added to kickstart the fermentation process. This stage is crucial in the development of flavors, as yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, producing a liquid known as the wash. The wash is then distilled to separate the alcohol from impurities and create a pure spirit.
At the Gimli distillery, Crown Royal employs a unique distillation process using copper pot stills. These stills, made of copper, play a vital role in shaping the character of the whisky. Copper is known to remove unwanted impurities and enhance the desired flavors, resulting in a smoother and more refined spirit.
After distillation, the whisky is transferred to oak barrels for aging. The barrels, typically made from American white oak, provide the whisky with its distinct flavor profile. Over the years, the whisky matures and absorbs flavors from the wood, developing complex notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Once the whisky has reached its desired maturity, it is carefully blended to achieve the signature Crown Royal taste. The blending process involves combining different whiskies to create a harmonious and balanced flavor profile. This art of blending requires expertise and a deep understanding of the individual characteristics of each whisky used.
After blending, the whisky is bottled at a separate facility in Amherstburg, Ontario. Here, the bottles are meticulously filled, labeled, and sealed, ensuring the highest standards of quality control are met. The finished product is then distributed to various markets around the world, allowing whisky enthusiasts to enjoy the craftsmanship of Crown Royal Northern Harvest.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Gimli distillery and witnessing the whisky-making process firsthand. The dedication and passion of the distillery team are evident in every step of the production, from the sourcing of ingredients to the meticulous blending and bottling. It is truly a remarkable experience to see how Crown Royal Northern Harvest comes to life in this picturesque Canadian setting.