If you're a bourbon fan, Crown Royal is worth a taste. While it’s a Canadian whisky, its rich flavor, smooth finish, and deep heritage make it a standout favorite, even for die-hard bourbon fans. From oak-aged classics to bold, infused expressions, Crown Royal offers a lineup of flavors that go beyond expectations and straight to the top shelf.
Why Crown Royal Is a Bourbon Drinker’s Favorite
Crown Royal is one of the most iconic names in the world of whisky, and it has royal roots to prove it. Originally created in 1939 to honor King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Canada, this Canadian whisky classic has grown into a go-to for bourbon drinkers around the world.
With tasting notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice, Crown Royal’s signature blend echoes classic bourbon characteristics. Its well-aged blends deliver the depth and warmth bourbon drinkers crave, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. And with each bottle arriving in a signature velvet bag, Crown Royal adds a touch of ceremony that makes every pour feel like a gift.
Flavor Breakdown: Crown Royal Picks for Bourbon Lovers
Crown Royal Reserve
If you’re a bourbon drinker looking to ease into the Crown Royal lineup, Reserve is where to start. Crown Royal Reserve is a masterfully blended Canadian whisky that leans into the rich, full-bodied flavors bourbon lovers crave. Hand-selected by Crown Royal’s master blender, the whiskies in this expression are aged longer than the signature Deluxe, resulting in a deeper, smoother finish.
Flavor Profile: Expect warm, oaky notes layered with notes of vanilla, toasted caramel, baking spice, and a hint of dried fruit. It’s velvety on the palate with just enough heat to keep it interesting. This makes it an excellent neat pour or a refined base for an Old Fashioned.
Who It’s Great For: Perfect for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate complexity without harshness. It’s also a great gift if you want to impress someone with a classic, high-end gift.
Best Way to Enjoy: Sip it neat or with a single ice cube. Crown Royal Reserve isn’t meant to be hidden behind mixers. It deserves the spotlight.
Our Crown Royal Reserve Gift Baskets offer a premium 750ml bottle of Crown Royal Reserve, paired with gourmet snacks. Choose from a selection of themed gift boxes and personalize your message to make this gift one they’ll never forget.
Crown Royal Black
Crown Royal Black turns up the volume for whisky drinkers who enjoy a deeper flavor profile. Crafted with a higher proportion of Canadian rye (90) and aged in charred oak barrels, this expression brings a boldness that bourbon fans will instantly recognize and appreciate. It's darker, richer, and slightly more intense than the signature Crown Royal offering, while still maintaining the brand’s smoothness.
Flavor Profile: Crown Royal Black offers rich notes of toasted oak, creamy vanilla, and dark caramel, with hints of nutmeg and a subtle smokiness from the heavier char. It finishes long and warm, with a touch of spice that lingers without overwhelming the palate.
Who It’s Great For: Ideal for bourbon drinkers who gravitate toward high-rye or barrel-proof bottles. If you like your whiskey bold and slightly edgy, Black is your bottle.
Best Way to Enjoy: Enjoy it neat to experience its full character, or mix it into a bold Manhattan or Old Fashioned for a smoky twist on a classic.
Wanting to send the gift of luxury? The Crown Royal Black Gift Set is perfect for whisky lovers and comes with two engraved whiskey glasses personalized however you want.
Crown Royal Vanilla
Crown Royal Vanilla is a standout for fans of flavored whiskies and a welcome surprise for bourbon drinkers who enjoy a hint of sweetness. Made by infusing Crown Royal’s signature blend with rich Madagascar bourbon vanilla, this expression balances warmth and sweetness without going over the top. It’s versatile and dessert-like, but still grounded in classic whisky character.
Flavor Profile: This one opens with creamy vanilla and hints of caramel notes, followed by undertones of oak, baking spice, and a whisper of butterscotch. The finish is velvety and sweet, but not syrupy, making it ideal for sipping or mixing.
Who It’s Great For: Perfect for bourbon drinkers who love the vanilla-forward notes in their favorite bottles or for those who enjoy dessert-style whiskeys.
Best Way to Enjoy: Crown Royal Vanilla shines in cocktails! Try it in a Vanilla Old Fashioned, mixed with cola, or blended into a creamy spiked milkshake. It’s also excellent on its own over ice as an after-dinner sipper.
Sweeten someone’s day with our Crown Royal Vanilla Gift Basket! Choose from a variety of themed gift boxes and include a personal message for a thoughtful, memorable gift experience.
Crown Royal Apple
Crown Royal Apple brings a vibrant, fruit-forward twist to the traditional whisky experience. Infused with natural apple flavors, specifically crisp Regal Gala apples, this expression maintains the smoothness of the original Crown Royal blend while adding a bold layer of tart sweetness. It’s approachable, aromatic, and surprisingly versatile for bourbon drinkers open to trying something a little more playful.
Flavor Profile: Bright green apple leads the way, followed by hints of caramel, light spice, and subtle oak from the base whisky. The finish is smooth and slightly tart, offering a clean contrast that makes it ideal for mixing or sipping chilled.
Who It’s Great For: A great pick for bourbon drinkers who enjoy the occasional flavored pour or are looking for something light and refreshing.
Best Way to Enjoy: Mix it with ginger ale for a crisp Crown Apple & Ginger, blend it into an apple-infused Old Fashioned, or serve it straight over ice. It’s also a fun addition to fall-inspired cocktails or holiday gatherings.
Our Crown Royal Apple Gift Set features a full bottle of Crown Royal Apple, paired with two engraved whiskey glasses and your choice of a personalized gift box. Add your own message to make this the perfect gift for any celebration, big or small.
Crown Royal Peach
Crown Royal peach flavored whisky is a summer season favorite that brings ripe, juicy flavor to the brand’s classic Canadian whisky blend. Infused with natural Georgia peach flavors, this expression is light, sweet, and incredibly smooth, making it one of Crown Royal’s most popular limited edition releases. While it's fruitier than what most bourbon drinkers might reach for, its balance and drinkability make it a worthy addition to any bar cart.
Flavor Profile: Expect a burst of ripe peach on the nose and palate, supported by sweet vanilla, caramel, and just a hint of oak from the base whisky. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, with a silky finish that goes down easy.
Who It’s Great For: Ideal for bourbon drinkers who like flavored whiskies, fruit-forward cocktails, or easygoing summer pours. It’s also a great pick for casual drinkers looking for something festive and refreshing.
Best Way to Enjoy: Crown Royal Peach is perfect in a Peach Tea (just add sweet tea and ice), or paired with lemonade for a bright, backyard-ready cocktail. You can also enjoy it chilled or over ice for a smooth, juicy sip.
Whether it’s for a birthday or just to show appreciation, the Crown Royal Peach Gift Set is a sweet gift they’ll remember! Featuring a 750ml bottle of Crown Royal Peach and two engraved whiskey glasses, this set is the perfect way to elevate any occasion.
Crown Royal Flavor Pairing Chart
| Flavor | Best For | Drink Style | Gift Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Bourbon lovers | Mules & Cream Sodas | Sweet & smooth |
| Reserve | Whiskey purists | Neat or Old Fashioned | Premium & classic |
| Peach | Summer sippers | Tea, Lemonade, Smash | Fresh & seasonal |
| Black | Bold flavor seekers | Neat or strong cocktails | Intense & rich |
| Apple | Festive drinkers | Ginger, Cinnamon | Crisp & playful |
Classic Bourbon Cocktails, With a Crown Royal Twist
Love the classics but want to mix things up? Crown Royal’s lineup of flavored and premium whiskies make it easy to give traditional bourbon cocktails a fresh, fun spin. Whether you're hosting friends or just looking to try something new, here are a few go-to bourbon drinks reimagined with Crown Royal flavors:
Old Fashioned → Use Crown Royal Reserve + Orange Bitters
Swap in Crown Royal Reserve for your usual bourbon to create a smoother, oakier Old Fashioned. The subtle spice and caramel notes add extra depth without overwhelming the drink.
Whiskey Sour → Use Crown Vanilla + Fresh Lemon
Vanilla brings a creamy twist to this tart classic. Use Crown Royal Vanilla instead of bourbon for a cocktail that’s balanced, mellow, and just sweet enough to keep sipping.
Manhattan → Use Crown Royal Black + Sweet Vermouth
Crown Royal Black’s bold profile and smoky edge make it a great stand-in for high-proof bourbons. Paired with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, it creates a Manhattan with serious character.
Whiskey Smash → Use Crown Apple + Mint
Muddle lemon and mint with Crown Royal Apple for a bright, crisp take on the Whiskey Smash. The apple flavor plays beautifully with citrus and herbs, making it ultra-refreshing.
Highball → Use Crown Peach + Iced Tea or Lemonade
Skip the bourbon and sweeten your highball with Crown Royal Peach and iced tea or lemonade. It’s backyard-ready, barbecue-friendly, and dangerously easy to drink.
Gifting Crown Royal: For the Bourbon Drinker in Your Life
A bottle of whisky is always a good gift, and Crown Royal makes it that much more special. At GiveThemBeer, we’ve curated Crown Royal gift sets that go beyond just the bottle.
Choose from options like:
Crown Royal Old Fashioned Gift Sets
Featuring a bottle of Crown Royal and all the ingredients needed to craft the perfect Old Fashioned, including mixers and garnishes.
Crown Royal with Gourmet Snacks
Paired with artisan jerky, sweet treats, or premium bar snacks for a deliciously satisfying gift experience.
Themed Gift Boxes
Select from “Cheers,” “Happy Birthday,” “Thank You,” and more to personalize your message and make the unboxing feel even more special.
Flavored Crown Royal with Engraved Glasses
Surprise them with something fun like Crown Apple or Crown Peach, paired with engraved glasses personalized for them.
Custom Message Add-Ons
Every gift includes your personal message, making it easy to send something meaningful for birthdays, milestones, holidays, or just because.
No wrapping paper, no liquor store run, no stress! Just a top-shelf whisky gift delivered straight to their door in a premium presentation they’ll remember.
Send a Crown Royal Surprise
If you love bourbon, Crown Royal is absolutely worth a sip, or a gift. With its smooth finish, bold flavor options, and royal-worthy presentation, it checks every box for whiskey fans. Exploring new pours for your own bar cart? Sending a top-shelf surprise to someone who appreciates a good bourbon? Crown Royal delivers!
Browse our curated gift sets and treat yourself or a bourbon lover in your life to something truly memorable.
