Crown Royal Blenders' Mash

I bought this bottle at first as a collectible. This was originally labeled "Bourbon Mash", but after some complaints about using the word bourbon in an imported whiskey, the TTB changed course and made them correct the name. As shipping, promotion and sales had begun, the TTB allowed Diageo to sell what they have, but the label needed to change. Hence the name "Blenders Mash", and my purchase. Big box retailer had for $19.99, so I figured I'll buy this, keep it behind the bar and tell guests the story. (like anyone but Whiskey geeks care). As the reviews came in, they were not good... I cracked the bottle. The nose is wonderful, sweet vanilla and caramel, a hint of cinnamon. Nice. Unfortunately that is the end of this. There is no taste. It is flat, watery, and almost green apple sour. The finish is non existent. I'm disappointed in this, I really wanted to like it. Crown Black is head and shoulders above. Afraid to put this in any kind of cocktail, as any additional mixer will totally destroy it. I'm managing to get the bottle down by telling friends the story first, then everyone wants a taste.

I don't know why all the hate for this? Yes, it's light. It's not going to blow any minds. But I've certainly had more highly rated whiskeys (by a small margin) that I consider more offensive or flawed than this. On the nose, subtle notes of saltwater taffy and oak, a hint of caramel and a light whiff of nail polish remover, fresh cereal and a hint of butterscotch or brown sugar. Flavor is light and refreshing. It reminds me of a less sweet version of Malahat black tea rum. The flavor is more brown sugar than caramel, a touch of new oak, applewood, black tea, fruit, and salt -somewhat scotch-like. Very smooth. Somewhat long, but uncomplex finish. I may be somewhat biased, because I picked up a 375 ml bottle on clearance for $8. But I think the hate for this is undeserved. I suspect if you tried this blind, your find it we're a light, uncomplex, but otherwise enjoyable whiskey that would be hard to classify as a bourbon, Canadian, or scotch, but somewhere in between all three.

This is ok for something different every now and then but I wouldn’t say it is a bottle I reach for first very often. I get heavy notes of charred oak on the nose and tongue with a hint of rye. It gets slightly sweet towards the end followed by a short light finish. Updated June 2019.... haven’t had this in a while and since have started appreciating bourbons more than I used to. That being said, I think it is much better this go around than before, and all I get is bourbon, no blended Canadian. I no longer think this was a waste of my money and it actually is pretty good for a bourbon. Those harsh flavors I seemed to find last time are no longer there. Don’t know if it mellowed out sitting in the cabinet but whatever happened, I’m glad it did.

Spicey on the nose with a lot of pepper, rye, anise, and peppermint. Vanilla and caramel are present but subtle. Upon the mouth swish, the peppery notes mellow with vanilla, caramel, honey, and burnt sugars taking the stage. A charred woody note also becomes present. The flavors do not have much of a lingering presence, dissipating quickly a product of the low proof. If this were a higher proofed product, this flavor profile would have much more punch. Overall a good offering from Crown Royal. Nose 3.25/5; Taste 3/5; Overall 3.25/5. Shameful that this product is no longer available. Repurchase: Yes but product has been discontinued

Crown Royal Blenders Mash (formerly bourbon mash) 40% abv, min age: 3 years, mash bill 64% corn, 32% rye, 4% malted barley May be bottled in Canada then imported into Connecticut. Aroma: fruity, sour apples, bourbon notes Taste: bourbon like, light to medium sweetness, fruity, charred oak at the back end. Over time it mellows out, losing some of the sweeter/fruity notes and letting the charred oak come out more. A decent whisky overall, nothing spectacular, but nothing to rag on either. Better than plenty of Canadian whiskies on the US market. Cost: 23.99 plus tax for a 750 ml bottle Grade: B-

Crown Royal Blenders Mash (Bourbon Mash) has a chestnut brown, clear appearance, and spaced alcohol legs. The aroma is of rather bold, sour dough bagel, with some oak and a touch of rye spice. The flavor is standard and unremarkable, not unlike the Canadian Leaf (bottled in Baltimore County, MD), with corn spirits, a dash of rye spice (Canadian Leaf may actually have a bolder rye profile), and a shimmer of oak. Mouthfeel is medium, and Crown Royal Blenders (Bourbon) Mash finishes moderate. RJT