If you are a whisky company as big as Crown Royal, you can pretty much do whatever you want. One of the biggest factors in this freedom is the 2 million barrels of whisky stock currently aging in their warehouses. Crown Royal Cask No. 16 is one such recent creation from Andrew Mackay, Master Blender for Crown Royal. On to a few particulars before the review.
A modern trend in whisky making is finishing a certain whisky in barrels that previously aged wine. This adds a new level of flavor that can range from a delicate addition to an intense punch in the mouth. Finishing also happens to justify a brand new whisky in a portfolio, even though this finish may have only taken a few months to further develop a blend or malt that is no different than others in the bottling line. Crown Royal Cask No. 16 is a blend of 50 whiskies produced at Gimli Distillery and finished in French Oak previously used to age cognac. Since Canadian whisky does not typically finish their whisky in a wine or cognac cask one can expect a flavor profile you don’t see often, and that is reason enough to give it a shot.
Keep in mind that Crown Royal Cask. No 16 was discontinued last year, but bottles can still be found in stores across the country. On to our review…
SWC Group Review
Nose- A core of sweet vanilla, light honey, caramel and a touch of maple. A dusty, dry rye character makes an appearance. The cognac adds fruity notes of plum, apricot and ripe grapes. All components nicely balanced and reserved.
Taste– Brandied oak with rich fruit. Creamy vanilla and maple. Buttery corn. Hints of spice.
Finish– Medium length. Nice, fruity cognac notes with vanilla and dry spice. The sweet lingers after waves of varying intensity.
Comments- Cognac finish adds depth and excitement to a nicely balanced blend. While we are not in agreement on the price tag and hype being worth it, we agree that we’re disappointed to see it go.
SWC Rating – 84/100
Contact us at: SpokaneWhiskey@gmail.com
Spokane Whiskey Club 
Get it while you can!
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Love this one, but sip it sparingly. Still quite a few bottles still available at the LCBO but a hefty price tag.
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I have one bottle in the bunker, but then the replacement version came out half as expensive and arguable as good or better. Review pending!
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where would one go for buying a bottle of cask 16?
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Good news, bad news. Bad – Cask No . 16 is discontinued. The good- it has been resurrected in the form of Crown Royal XO. Just as lovely and priced lower (under $50 USD). It has good distribution at least here in Spokane, I imagine that this is the case elsewhere.
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