Crown Royal 18yr Extra Rare
🥃 Intro
Crown Royal and I have a long, respectful relationship. They make whisky that goes down easy, shows up at every holiday gathering, and has probably been poured at more family parties than any other bottle in North America. So when I finally got my hands on the Crown Royal 18 Year Extra Rare, I figured I was in for something elevated — the grown-up, tuxedo-wearing version of the Crown we all know.
And yes, it is elevated.
Yes, it is smooth.
Yes, it does taste like an older, more polished Crown Royal.
But here’s the real talk:
It’s good… just not impressive or memorable.
This isn’t a bottle that made me stop mid-sip and reflect on life. It’s more like, “Oh, that’s nice,” followed by, “Okay, what else we got?”
📜 History
Crown Royal was originally created in 1939 as a special gift for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Canada, which set the tone for the brand’s reputation for smooth, elegant whisky. Produced at their massive distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, Crown blends corn, rye, and malt whiskies to achieve its signature profile. Over the years they’ve expanded into higher-end releases, and the 18 Year Extra Rare stands as one of their mature offerings in part of their Master Series line-up, blending some of their oldest stock. It’s crafted to emphasize refinement and balance rather than boldness. And true to Crown Royal fashion, smoothness is the star of the show.
🍾 Bottle Design
Crown never misses when it comes to presentation! My favorite thing about this 18-year-old is the bottle design. The deep purple box, gold accents, the heaviness like crystal, and the signature velvet-style bag make this bottle feel luxurious before you even pop the cork. It looks like a special-occasion whisky and absolutely nails the premium aesthetic. Whether or not the liquid inside lives up to that level of hype… well, that’s where things get interesting.
🥃 The Pour
In the glass, the 18 Year shows a light golden amber color — surprisingly delicate for something that’s been aging nearly two decades. It swirls cleanly, without much heft or heavy legs. It looks polished and elegant, very much in line with Crown’s overall vibe.
👃 Nose
The nose is pleasant but restrained. Vanilla and light caramel lead the way, supported by soft oak and a hint of dried fruit. Everything is balanced and gentle, but nothing leaps out or demands attention. For an 18-year whisky, it feels like it’s whispering when you want it to speak up.
👅 Palate
The palate is classic Crown Royal: silky, easygoing, and incredibly smooth. You’ll pick up vanilla, honey, very mild oak, and a touch of baking spice. It’s well-blended, refined, and honestly enjoyable… but it doesn’t offer the depth or complexity you’d hope for in an 18-year release, despite knowing what Crown offers, which is approachable whisky. The entire experience feels controlled and predictable. It’s good, but it never takes you anywhere memorable. No big peaks, no surprises — just polite, steady flavor from start to finish.
🔥 Finish
The finish is clean and lightly sweet with soft oak. It fades quickly and quietly, without any lingering richness or warmth to remind you that this is a high-age whisky. Again, it’s smooth — almost too smooth — and disappears before it makes any lasting impression.
💭 Final Thoughts
Crown Royal 18 Year Extra Rare is a well-crafted whisky that delivers exactly what Crown Royal is known for: smoothness, refinement, and easy sipping. But when you put an 18-year age statement and a premium price on a bottle, expectations naturally rise, and this one simply doesn’t reach those heights, for me. It’s enjoyable, but not impactful. Good, but not great. If you want a beautiful bottle for special occasions, gifting, or someone who values silky, gentle whisky above bold flavor, this will absolutely do the job. But if you’re hunting for an 18-year-old pour that brings depth, complexity, or a moment you’ll remember, this bottle may leave you wanting more. A royal experience? Sure. A legendary one? Not quite.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 80 • Distillery: Crown Royal • Mashbill: Undisclosed Blend • Aged: 18yrs •Price: $145
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 2 • Palate: 2 • Finish: 1 • Uniqueness: 2 • Value: 1 • Overall: 1.6
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 