Crown Royal Rye Dinner Experience, 6/10

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A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to experience Crown Royal’s first-ever blended rye whisky. If you know me, you know I’m definitely a Whisk(e)y gal, so I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Plus, I always have a great time at Crown Royal events, so I was sure this was going to be one for the books.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye: The distinctly smooth whisky, crafted from 90% rye, showcases the richness of the Northern Harvest Rye grains and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the key ingredient in traditional rye cocktails such as the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

I was among the first in the city to try this new whisky at the special tasting event hosted at Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House.

Walking into the private dining room, upstairs of Bourbon House, the setting was beautiful. Rounds of eight were strategically set with samples of different blends of Crown Royal Whisky and place settings. We were greeted with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres upon entry, just enough to get our palettes ready for our 3-course dinner. Right before dinner, Louisiana Master of Whisky Chris McLellan, gave us a little background 411 on Crown Royal Whiskies.

Take a peek into my experience:

The Cool Table

Samples + Tasting Notes | L to R:
Crown Royal Deluxe
NOSE: Rich and robust, with slight hints of vanilla and fruit
PALATE: Delicately smooth and creamy with hints of oak and the sweet flavor of vanilla.
FINISH: Long and lingering
RECOMMENDATION: Neat, on the rocks, or a long drink

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
NOSE: Baking spices, cereal, light wood spices
PALATE: Gentle oak note, rich butterscotch, spiced vanilla, develops into soft peppery notes
FINISH: Smooth and Creamy
RECOMMENDATION: Classic rye cocktails like the Manhattan

Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel (My fave)
NOSE: Fresh, spicy with ripe banana
PALATE: Bananas foster, spiced chocolate, fresh vanilla and peppery oak
FINISH: Flavorful and long
RECOMMENDATION: Neat or a classic rye cocktail

Louisiana Master of Whisky Chris McLellan’s Presentation

1st Course: Duck, Cheese Grits w/ a Cherry Balsamic Sauce

2nd Course: Lemon Crusted Lamb

3rd Course: Pecan Pie topped w/ White Chocolate on Orange Water Sauvignon w/ Shortbread on the side (Looks like Beef Tartare right? Compliments of the chef!)

The Manhattan feat. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

The Old Fashioned feat. Crown Royal Deluxe

The Sazerac feat. Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

It’s safe to say my table was ready to tap out

So many drinks, so little time. One for the road! #OnlyInNOLA

Not only did I have a blast, but I also met some great, interesting people. Special thanks to Alex, Diageo and Crown Royal, and Bourbon House for such a fun night. Can’t wait ’til the next one!

For more information on Crown Royal Whisky, visit the official website.

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