Thanks in large part to the recent efforts of the blending team at Crown Royal, Canadian whisky is enjoying a resurgence in the world of spirits. Having received numerous awards, including the 2016 World Whisky of the Year for its Northern Harvest Rye, Crown Royal is celebrating among Canadian kin by releasing its newest product, Crown Royal Blender's Select, exclusively to Ontario.
Blender's Select was crafted by Crown Royal's Master Blender, Mark Balkenende. As its name suggests, the whisky is part of a blending process — but not in the way one might assume. Rather than the product of a blend, Blender's Select is itself one of the whiskies blended into the award-winning Crown Royal Fine Deluxe.
Blender's Select comes from Crown Royal's Coffey still, an historical distilling apparatus and one of the rare few in North America. As one of the ingredients in a blend, the whisky is often in conversation with other varietals. However, Blender's Select is complex in its own right, with creamy notes of toffee and rich oak undertones; flavors that finally have a chance to shine on their own merit.
Crown Royal has partnered with the LCBO to release Blender's Select exclusively in Ontario. It is currently in LCBOs across the province, retailing for $54.95.
Limited-Release Canadian Whiskies
The New 'Crown Royal Blender's Select' is Exclusive to Ontario
Trend Themes
1. Resurgence of Canadian Whiskey - As more attention is placed on the craftsmanship of Canadian whiskey, there is an opportunity for distillers to innovate and create unique blends that stand out from the competition.
2. Limited-release Spirits - By creating exclusive products for specific regions or time periods, spirits brands can generate buzz and excitement among customers while also spurring demand for their core offerings.
3. Historical Distilling Techniques - As the trend towards craft and artisanal spirits continues to grow, there is an opportunity for distillers to experiment with traditional distilling techniques and equipment that emphasize flavor and quality over quantity and efficiency.
Industry Implications
1. Spirits Manufacturing - As the popularity of Canadian whiskey grows, there is an opportunity for spirits manufacturers to invest in producing high-quality, unique blends that cater to consumers' evolving tastes and preferences.
2. Distribution & Retail - Exclusive releases create buzz and excitement, often leading to increased demand and sales at both distribution and retail levels.
3. Distilling Equipment Manufacturing - The resurgence of traditional and artisanal distilling techniques creates an opportunity for equipment manufacturers to develop specialized tools that optimize the production and flavor profiles of these spirits.