Crown Royal Extra Rare Blended 18 Year 750ML

Crown Royal Extra Rare Blended 18 Year 750ML is an 18-year-old blended Canadian whisky bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. This expression stands apart within the Crown Royal portfolio because it incorporates whisky from one of the final batches produced at the now-closed LaSalle distillery in Montreal, making each bottle a piece of Canadian whisky history.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Gimli, Manitoba, Canada  |  Age: 18 Years  |  Distillery: Crown Royal Distillery

Production & Heritage

Crown Royal has operated its primary distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, since 1968. The Extra Rare 18 Year is handcrafted from a blend of three of the brand's most exceptional whiskies, drawn from five different mash bills and processed through 12 different distillation columns. What gives this release its singular character is the inclusion of whisky from the LaSalle distillery — a legendary Montreal facility whose closure elevated its remaining stocks to near-mythical status among Canadian whisky collectors. Each component is aged a minimum of 18 years before the final blend is assembled, resulting in a deep golden amber liquid of notable complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with prominent vanilla and ripe stone fruit, followed by layers of dried fruit and honey. A gentle rye spice emerges underneath, adding depth without overpowering the sweeter top notes.

Taste: The entry is velvety and smooth, immediately coating the palate with caramel spice and light oak. Mid-palate, the blend reveals raisins, cocoa, and brown sugar, balanced by the assertive but refined character of aged Canadian rye. The interplay between the sweet and spicy elements is well-integrated, a hallmark of extended maturation.

Finish: The finish is full-bodied and persistent, with lingering nougat and a faint echo of dried fruit sweetness. Oak tannins provide structure without bitterness, leaving a clean, warming close.

How to Drink Extra Rare 18 Year

This whisky rewards patience — serve it neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass at room temperature to fully appreciate the 18 years of maturation. A few drops of water can open up the stone fruit and honey notes further. For cocktails, the 18 Year's depth and body work well in an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and nougat notes complement the bitters and sugar beautifully. A Vieux Carré benefits from the whisky's rye spice and dried fruit, standing up to sweet vermouth and Bénédictine. A simple Whisky Sour lets the stone fruit and vanilla shine against the citrus acid, creating a remarkably refined version of the classic.

Best For

• Gifting a Canadian whisky enthusiast or serious collector
• Marking a milestone celebration such as a retirement or anniversary
• Adding a rare, age-stated expression to a home whisky library
• Hosting a guided tasting comparing Crown Royal expressions side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Extra Rare 18 Year taste like? It delivers a velvety palate of caramel spice, light oak, cocoa, and brown sugar, balanced by Canadian rye spice, with a full-bodied nougat finish. The overall profile is rich and layered, leaning toward sweet dried fruit and baking spice rather than heavy wood influence.

How does Extra Rare 18 Year compare to Crown Royal XR? The 18 Year was introduced to fill the void left by the discontinued Crown Royal XR, and both expressions feature whisky from the historic LaSalle distillery in Montreal. The 18 Year carries a guaranteed age statement of 18 years, while the XR's age varied by batch, and the 18 Year's blend structure — drawn from five mash bills — gives it a broader flavor spectrum.

Is Extra Rare 18 Year good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 18-year maturation and 40% ABV make it approachable and complex enough to drink neat without any dilution. Its velvety texture and layered flavor profile were designed to be appreciated on their own.

Where is Extra Rare 18 Year made? The whisky is produced at the Crown Royal Distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, situated on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. The blend also incorporates rare stocks from the now-closed LaSalle distillery in Montreal, Quebec.

What foods pair well with Extra Rare 18 Year? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and brown sugar notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors the whisky's nougat-like richness. Pecan pie amplifies the caramel and vanilla. Smoked salmon works well against the rye spice. Crème brûlée echoes the stone fruit and vanilla aromas.

What sizes does Extra Rare 18 Year come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Extra Rare 18 Year worth the price? The 18 Year positions as a super-premium expression within the Crown Royal lineup, and its inclusion of irreplaceable LaSalle distillery whisky adds genuine rarity value. For an 18-year-old blended Canadian whisky with a verifiable connection to a closed distillery, it sits competitively in its price tier.

Why Extra Rare 18 Year?

The single most compelling reason to seek out this bottle is the LaSalle distillery component — once those remaining stocks are gone, they are gone permanently, and no future release can replicate this blend. The 18-year age statement is among the longest in the Crown Royal range, and the use of five distinct mash bills across 12 distillation columns produces a complexity uncommon in Canadian blended whisky at this price tier. Recognized at the L.A. Spirits Awards in both 2023 and 2025, the Extra Rare 18 Year has earned critical attention to match its heritage. For collectors and drinkers alike, this is a Canadian whisky that justifies its name.