Crown Royal is neither bourbon nor Scotch. Let me explain why.
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that can only be made in the United States. According to the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, bourbon must meet certain criteria, including being made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Crown Royal, while it uses a bourbon mashbill (with 64% corn, 31.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley), does not meet all the other requirements to be classified as bourbon.
On the other hand, Scotch whisky is a specific type of whisky made in Scotland. It must be made from malted barley, aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years, and bottled at a minimum strength of 40% alcohol by volume. Crown Royal is not made in Scotland, nor does it meet the requirements to be classified as Scotch whisky.
Crown Royal is actually a Canadian whisky. Canadian whisky is known for its smoothness and light flavor profile. It is typically made from a blend of grains, including corn, rye, barley, and wheat. Crown Royal, being a Canadian whisky, follows these traditions.
Now, it's worth mentioning that Crown Royal originally labeled one of its expressions as “Bourbon Mash” even though it clearly does not meet the legal definition of bourbon. The label was initially approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), but they later reversed their decision and forced Crown Royal to stop using the name “Bourbon Mash”. This decision was in line with the regulations that govern the labeling and classification of distilled spirits.
Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky, not bourbon or Scotch. While it may use a bourbon mashbill, it does not meet the legal requirements to be classified as bourbon, and it is not made in Scotland, so it cannot be classified as Scotch whisky.