Crown Royal Satisfies Whisky And Wine Lovers With Introduction Of Wine Barrel Finished Whisky

GIMLI, Manitoba, May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the popularity of Canadian whisky on the rise, Crown Royal, the world's category leader, is proud to introduce Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished – the second release from the Noble Collection, a series of annual, limited-edition whiskies celebrating the artistry and spirited experimentation of our distillers and blenders.

Following the success of last year's Cornerstone Blend release – Whisky Advocate's Canadian Whisky of the Year – Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished is sure to pique the curiosity of whisky and wine lovers alike.  Two worlds collide with a unique whisky developed to highlight the hallmark flavor and texture of Crown Royal.

This second expression of the Noble Collection showcases signature Crown Royal whiskies, carefully finished in freshly emptied, medium toast Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the celebrated Paso Robles region of California for a full six months.  The result is an elegant new whisky that's still unmistakably Crown – rich, full-bodied and smooth.

"With Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished, our distillers and blenders are honored to carry the storied legacy passed down by those who came before, while adding their own unique facet," said Jim Ruane, Director of Crown Royal. "We experimented with a number of different wines and oak provenances – but ultimately American oak Cabernet Sauvignon best complemented Crown Royal's signature red fruit notes and velvety mouthfeel for a taste that both whisky and wine connoisseurs will love." 

Golden ruby in color, the whisky tastes of caramel and butterscotch, with red grapes notes and layers of spice and vanilla imparted by the secondary maturation step.  The finish is long, with notes of anise and clove.

Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished comes draped in a velvety purple bag with gold accents and an iridescent purple canister.  The bottle pays homage to its royal roots with a smooth, elegant shape, cut crystal base and sturdy wooden top.  This regal presentation – combined with the silver medal Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished recently received at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – makes it the perfect gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day, more exciting than your average bottle of wine.  

Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished is 81 proof / 40.5% ABV and will be available in limited quantities at a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

The Noble Collection celebrates the craftsmanship and creativity of Crown Royal's whisky makers as they explore new blending techniques, maturation processes, grain recipes and distillation methods. The next and third Noble Collection whisky will be released in 2018.

Crown Royal reminds all consumers to drink responsibly when toasting with Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste.  Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky.  For more information, visit www.crownroyal.com.  Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Contacts
Christina Kavanaugh                                                      
Taylor Strategy, 704-644-6933
[email protected]

Jamie Hakim
Diageo, 646-223-2314
[email protected]  

SOURCE Crown Royal Canadian Whisky