This is the big brother to regular Crown Royal (is that even possible?). Special Reserve is apparently a more select, rarer, older blending of the legendary Canadian import. Crown Royal's website informs that select casks of their best whiskies are identified early and then set aside to mature specifically for later crafting the SR blend. Besides that, SR comes in a slightly taller, more distinctive bottle than the squat crown-shaped bottle of regular Crown Royal.

Upon nosing, it is unmistakably Crown Royal. The initial scent fresh out of the bottle is a bit like wet paint (in a good way). Then creamy, toffee like, almost nutty with a hint of coconut, it gets slightly more robust as it breathes. Generally if you like the nose on Crown (as I do) you will enjoy this.

The palette is smooth, slightly sweet rye flavor, hints of vanilla...perhaps a slight wisp of smoke. It warms slightly bright like a flash and then eases away as I swallow. Mouthfeel is light and clean.

Finish is tasty, with nutty sweet notes, possibly vanilla and coconut. It Lasts for a while.

This is a step up from regular Crown, much more refined for drinking neat or on the rocks, as I prefer. This might also make a great Manhattan. However for nearly twice the price of regular crown, I think I'd save the more robust character of SR for when I feel like sipping on Crown for its unique flavor.

I just wish the presentation would fit the reputation of Crown Royal. It would have been nice to get the little gold tassel around the bottle-neck like the earlier presentation of this, it also used to come in a gold box with maybe a bag wrapping it. At the very least it should come in a purple bag like standard crown…

Paladin's Overall Whiskey Rating: 8/10