Crown Royal Reserve 12yr takes the cake of Canadian releases so far this year. I always loved the intense grape note of Crown Reserve, but the added 12yr age statement kicks it up a notch, adding an oak driven complexity not common among regular Canadians. Intensely floral and sweet nose with a Grape Kool-Aid like aroma. On the palate, soft vanilla entry, but much more fruit driven depth, but unlike the Crown Black which just adds the oak note, this Reserve retains the smoothness and drink-ability of regular Crown whiskey, one of the world’s great blends, while adding layers of smoothly integrated flavor. Don’t ever underestimate Canadian whiskey, as the category is full of surprises, this one being on the top of that list for 2025!