As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide a detailed answer to the question: Is Crown Royal a bourbon?
Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky that is often mistaken for bourbon due to its similarities in taste and production process. However, it is important to note that bourbon can only be made in America, according to legal regulations.
Crown Royal uses a mashbill (the mixture of grains used in the production) that is similar to that of bourbon, consisting of 64% corn, 31.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley. This bourbon mashbill gives Crown Royal its distinct flavor profile, which is often characterized by its smoothness, sweetness, and hints of spice.
Initially, the label for Crown Royal's product using the name “Bourbon Mash” was approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the regulatory body responsible for approving alcohol labels in the United States. However, the TTB later reversed their decision and forced the brand to stop using the name “Bourbon Mash.” This decision was based on the fact that bourbon can only legally be produced in America.
It is important to understand that while Crown Royal may have similarities to bourbon in terms of taste and production process, it cannot be classified as bourbon due to its country of origin. Bourbon is a uniquely American spirit, and its production is protected by law.
In my personal experience, I have found Crown Royal to be a high-quality whisky that offers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. Its flavor profile, with its sweet and spicy notes, appeals to many whisky enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to respect the legal definitions and classifications of spirits, and Crown Royal should be recognized and appreciated as a Canadian whisky rather than a bourbon.
To summarize, Crown Royal is not a bourbon, even though it uses a bourbon mashbill. It is a Canadian whisky with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile. The TTB's decision to disallow the use of the name “Bourbon Mash” on Crown Royal's label reinforces the legal distinction between bourbon and other whiskies produced outside of the United States.