Crown Royal Bourbon Mash has had an interesting journey. First introduced as part of Crown Royal's "The Blenders' Series" the whisky immediately drew attention for its confusing name. Specifically, Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky, and even though this technically uses a bourbon mashbill (64% corn, 31.5% rye, 4.
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5% malted barley), bourbon can only be made in America. Though the TTB originally approved the label, they reversed their decision and forced the brand to stop using the name 'Bourbon Mash'. This whisky still exists, but under the new name of Crown Royal Blenders' Mash. .
Crown Royal Bourbon Mash has had an interesting journey. First introduced as part of Crown Royal's "The Blenders' Series" the whisky immediately drew attention for its confusing name. Specifically, Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky, and even though this technically uses a bourbon mashbill (64% corn, 31.5% rye, 4.5% malted barley), bourbon can only be made in America. Though the TTB originally approved the label, they reversed their decision and forced the brand to stop using the name 'Bourbon Mash'. This whisky still exists, but under the new name of Crown Royal Blenders' Mash.
age
NAS
Cost
abv
40.0
Canadian
Distilled in Canada and aged in barrels for at least three years. Often, but not always, Canadian whiskies are blends of corn, barley and rye which are distilled and matured separately.
Cask Type
new, American oak and ex-bourbon barrels
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of whiskies and spirits, my expertise spans across various brands, production processes, and regulatory nuances. The journey of Crown Royal Bourbon Mash is a fascinating tale that delves into the intricacies of labeling, geographical indications, and the ever-evolving landscape of the spirits industry.
Crown Royal Bourbon Mash, initially a part of Crown Royal's "The Blenders' Series," sparked immediate interest due to its perplexing nomenclature. The crux of the matter lies in the clash between its Canadian origin and the utilization of a bourbon mashbill—comprising 64% corn, 31.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley. Herein lies a crucial point of contention: bourbon, by definition, can only be produced in America.
The initial approval of the label by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) added a layer of complexity to the narrative. However, this regulatory body later reversed its decision, compelling the brand to discontinue the use of the name 'Bourbon Mash.' The whisky, though, perseveres under a new identity—Crown Royal Blenders' Mash.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Crown Royal's "The Blenders' Series": This refers to a specific product line or collection curated by Crown Royal, likely characterized by unique blends and expressions crafted by their expert blenders.
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Bourbon Mashbill: The mashbill is the recipe of grains used in the production of whiskey. In this context, Crown Royal Bourbon Mash employs a mashbill typically associated with bourbon, containing 64% corn, 31.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley.
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Geographical Indication: The article touches upon the geographical indication restrictions for bourbon, emphasizing that bourbon can only be legally produced in America. This underlines the importance of the location in defining certain types of whiskies.
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TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau): The TTB is a regulatory agency responsible for enforcing federal laws and regulations related to the production and distribution of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms in the United States.
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Rebranding - Crown Royal Blenders' Mash: Following the TTB's decision, the whisky underwent a name change, evolving from Crown Royal Bourbon Mash to Crown Royal Blenders' Mash. This highlights the brand's adaptability and commitment to compliance with regulatory standards.
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Whisky Characteristics - age, NAS, Cost, ABV, and Cask Type: The article provides additional information about the whisky, including its age (not specified), being a NAS (No Age Statement) product, cost (not mentioned), alcohol by volume (ABV) at 40%, and details about the cask type—new, American oak, and ex-bourbon barrels. These details contribute to understanding the product's profile and characteristics.
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Canadian Whisky Production: The mention of the whisky being distilled in Canada and aged for at least three years aligns with the standard practices of Canadian whisky production. Canadian whiskies often involve the separate distillation and maturation of corn, barley, and rye components.
In conclusion, the journey of Crown Royal Bourbon Mash, now known as Crown Royal Blenders' Mash, provides a rich narrative intertwining brand dynamics, regulatory intricacies, and the unique characteristics of the whisky itself. This episode underscores the importance of adherence to legal standards and the dynamic nature of the spirits industry.
