Crown Royal, one of the most iconic Canadian whisky brands in the world, has made waves in the whisky community once again with the release of its oldest and rarest bottling to date. Introducing Crown Royal Aged 31 Years, the latest addition to the brand’s prestigious Extra Rare Series. This remarkable whisky marks a milestone in Crown Royal’s storied history, representing decades of craftsmanship and patience.
Image credit: Crown Royal
The Third Edition of the Extra Rare Series
Following the successful release of the 30-year-old expression in 2024, Crown Royal has upped the ante with this new release, aged for an additional year. The Extra Rare Series is known for showcasing premium, long-aged whiskies that highlight the brand’s dedication to quality. With this 31-year-old bottling, Crown Royal is positioning itself at the forefront of the luxury whisky market.
Master Blender Mark Balkenende was instrumental in crafting this exceptional whisky, hand-selecting barrels that have been aging for over three decades. According to the brand, this meticulous selection process resulted in a blend with distinctive spiced notes, complemented by hints of red apple, toasted oak, and a subtle touch of vanilla. These flavors promise a rich and complex tasting experience, offering something truly special for whisky connoisseurs.
A True Collector’s Item
Priced at $599 for a 750ml bottle, Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is positioned as a luxury item, appealing to serious collectors and aficionados of rare spirits. This whisky has been bottled at 46% ABV, ensuring that its flavors are robust and well-preserved. Currently, the release is available in select U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Hadley Schafer, Vice President of Crown Royal, emphasized the significance of this release, stating: “Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is our rarest variant to date and serves as the perfect addition to any luxury spirits collection.” Schafer added, “This whisky has been patiently aging for over three decades, and it’s a true representation of the journey we have taken to create something extraordinary. We are excited to share this unique expression with our loyal brand adorers.”
A Shift Toward High-End Offerings
Crown Royal has long been recognized for its approachable, flavored whiskies like Crown Royal Apple, Vanilla, and Peach, which dominate the flavored whisky market. These bottles, often priced between $20 and $50, are some of the most popular whiskies in the United States, appealing to both casual drinkers and whisky enthusiasts alike.
However, the introduction of the 31-year-old whisky signals a strategic shift for the brand. While Crown Royal continues to cater to its loyal fanbase of flavored whisky lovers, it is also expanding its portfolio with premium, high-end releases that command attention in the luxury spirits space. In recent years, Crown Royal has experimented with limited-edition releases, including a single malt whisky and other rare bottlings that reflect the brand's ability to blend innovation with tradition.
The Extra Rare Series is not Crown Royal's first foray into the high-end whisky market. The brand previously released a 29-year-old whisky followed by the 30-year-old variant last year. These whiskies have garnered significant attention for their craftsmanship and exclusivity, and the 31-year-old continues this trend, pushing the boundaries of what Crown Royal can achieve.
A Legacy of Excellence
Crown Royal’s journey to becoming one of the top-selling Canadian whisky brands is marked by its ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining its core principles of quality and craftsmanship. The brand was the fourth-largest selling whisky in the world in 2023, though it experienced a slight decline of 8.4% in sales from the previous year, moving 7.7 million nine-liter cases. Despite this, Crown Royal remains a dominant player in the whisky market and continues to evolve with new offerings that appeal to both traditional whisky drinkers and those seeking something extraordinary.
A Taste of Rarity
Whisky enthusiasts who have had the opportunity to taste Crown Royal Aged 31 Years have noted its well-balanced complexity. The spiced character at the forefront, with underlying hints of apple and oak, creates a rich sensory experience. The subtle sweetness of vanilla adds a layer of depth, making this whisky a standout in the Extra Rare Series. It’s a departure from the more budget-friendly and flavor-heavy expressions Crown Royal is best known for, representing the brand’s ability to craft whiskies that appeal to a more refined palate.
Availability and Pricing
With only a limited number of bottles released, Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is available in select U.S. states for those lucky enough to get their hands on it. Given its price point of $599, this whisky is firmly in the premium category, catering to serious collectors and whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the art of long-aged spirits. Whether it’s for sipping on a special occasion or adding to a luxury collection, this release represents an exciting opportunity for those passionate about whisky.
Final Thoughts: A Bold New Chapter for Crown Royal
The release of Crown Royal Aged 31 Years is a significant moment for the brand, marking its continued evolution in the world of whisky. With this bottling, Crown Royal is showcasing its ability to produce luxury expressions that stand out in an increasingly competitive market. As the brand moves forward, its blend of innovation and tradition promises to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers looking for something truly exceptional.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or someone just beginning to explore the world of high-end spirits, Crown Royal Aged 31 Years offers a rare glimpse into the artistry of Canadian whisky-making at its finest.
