Crown Royal Extra Rare 31 Year 750ML

Crown Royal Extra Rare 31 Year 750ML is a 31-year-old Canadian rye whisky bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Unlike most Crown Royal expressions, which blend multiple whisky styles, this release draws from a single mashbill of approximately 96 percent rye and four percent malted barley — making it one of the oldest and most distinctive releases in the brand's history.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 Proof)  |  Origin: Manitoba, Canada  |  Age: 31 Years  |  Distillery: Crown Royal Distillery, Gimli

Production & Heritage

Crown Royal has operated its distillery in Gimli, Manitoba — on the shores of Lake Winnipeg — since 1968, producing five distinct whisky styles from corn, rye, and barley using both pot and column stills. The Extra Rare 31 Year breaks from the brand's blending tradition by isolating just one of those styles: the high-rye component, comprised of roughly 96 percent rye grain and four percent malted barley. After more than three decades of maturation, the whisky was bottled at 46 percent ABV rather than the standard 40 percent, preserving greater flavor intensity and texture from those years in oak.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Red apple and toasted oak lead the nose, followed by layers of stewed fruit and honey. Extended time in the glass reveals deeper notes of cherry and orange peel.

Taste: The palate opens with intense vanilla sweetness, quickly joined by baking spice and ripe fruit. At mid-palate, a pleasant bitterness emerges — espresso and dark oak — creating a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweetness. Milk chocolate and warm rye spice round out the experience as it builds toward the finish.

Finish: Long and warming, with fruity spice that lingers well after each sip. Toasted oak and a dry rye grain character anchor the closing notes, giving the finish both depth and structure.

How to Drink Extra Rare 31 Year

A whisky of this age and complexity is best served neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the stewed fruit and honey aromatics further. While primarily a sipping whisky, its bold rye backbone and higher proof make it surprisingly versatile:

• Old Fashioned: The rich vanilla and baking spice integrate seamlessly with bitters and a sugar cube, creating a layered, luxurious version of the classic.
• Vieux Carré: The rye-forward profile and espresso undertones complement sweet vermouth and Bénédictine in this stirred New Orleans cocktail.
• Manhattan: Thirty-one years of oak character and fruit depth give this rye the weight to stand up to sweet vermouth without being overshadowed.

Best For

• Gifting a serious whisky collector who appreciates ultra-aged Canadian rye
• Marking a milestone anniversary or retirement celebration
• Adding a rare bottle to a curated home whisky library
• Hosting a comparative tasting of aged North American rye whiskies

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Extra Rare 31 Year taste like? It delivers intense vanilla and stewed fruit sweetness balanced by a pleasant bitterness of espresso and toasted oak, with baking spice and milk chocolate throughout. The finish is long, warm, and fruit-spiced with lingering rye grain character.

How does Extra Rare 31 Year compare to Canadian Club Chronicles? Both represent ultra-aged Canadian whisky, but Crown Royal's 31 Year is a near-pure rye mashbill bottled at 46% ABV, while Canadian Club's Chronicles releases (aged 41–45 years) are blended Canadian whiskies typically bottled at 40% ABV. The Crown Royal leans spicier and more rye-forward, whereas Canadian Club's older releases tend toward softer, grain-driven profiles.

Is Extra Rare 31 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — it is designed as a neat-sipping whisky, bottled at a slightly elevated 46% ABV to preserve the full complexity developed over 31 years of aging without overwhelming heat.

Where is Extra Rare 31 Year made? It is produced at the Crown Royal Distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, situated on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. Gimli has been Crown Royal's sole production site since 1968.

What foods pair well with Extra Rare 31 Year? Dark chocolate truffles complement the espresso and milk chocolate notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors the oak-driven richness. Pecan pie echoes the vanilla and baking spice. Charcuterie with dried fruit highlights the stewed fruit and cherry character. Crème brûlée pairs naturally with the caramelized vanilla sweetness.

What sizes does Extra Rare 31 Year come in? Crown Royal Extra Rare 31 Year is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Extra Rare 31 Year worth the price? It positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Canadian whisky, competing with the rarest aged releases in the category. The combination of a 31-year age statement, single-mashbill rye composition, and higher bottling proof distinguishes it from standard Crown Royal offerings and justifies its collectible pricing for enthusiasts of aged rye.

Why Extra Rare 31 Year?

What separates this release from Crown Royal's broader portfolio is its singular focus on rye grain. While the distillery is known for blending five whisky styles, the Extra Rare 31 Year strips that approach back to a single 96-percent-rye mashbill, then lets three decades of oak aging do the talking. The decision to bottle at 46% ABV rather than the house standard of 40% preserves the full weight and nuance of that extended maturation. For collectors and rye enthusiasts, it represents one of the oldest commercially available Canadian rye whiskies — a genuine rarity in a category that rarely sees age statements beyond 20 years.