Most of us have been tempted by Trader Joe’s knock off brands of alcohol. They’re typically much more affordable than the real thing, which makes the mouth of a budget gourmet begin to water. But how is the taste? Are we sacrificing complexity and flavor to save a couple of bucks? The economical choice might be worth it. But then again, maybe not. In search of answers, I decided to do a double tasting of Trader Joe’s Canadian whiskey and the famous “it comes with a purple pouch” Crown Royal. First, a bit about whisky, and Canadian whisky in general, then about Crown Royal (and TJ’s knock-off) in particular. If you’re new to whisky (or you've had one too many) you may not realize that there are two spellings of this grain-based beverage. “Whiskey” refers to the fermented grain mash produced in the United States and Ireland. “Whisky” is the variation preferred by Scottish and Canadian distilleries. Canadian whiskey tends to be lighter and smoother than American, Irish and Scottish brands. Legally, for an alcohol to be referred to as “whiskey” in Canada, it must be aged at least three years (remember, a decent scotch is typically aged 12 years or longer), and must contain at least 40% alcohol. Typically, Canadian whiskies are blended, multi-grain liquors containing a high percentage of corn liquor. They also tend to include rye grain, and at times rye whiskey has been used interchangeably with Canadian whiskey. But don’t be confused: referring to Canadian whisky as “rye” is not the same as ordering an American “rye whiskey.” In Canada, rye is typically a minority grain, whereas in a rye produced in the U.S., rye must be the majority grain for it to be referred to as such. Crown Royal was first introduced in 1939 in honor of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the continent. Today, Crown Royal is the America’s most popular Canadian whisky and is produced in Ontario, Canada, but it wasn’t introduced into the U.S. until 1965. Crown Royal Nose: Richer, more balanced. Freshly sawn maple hides underneath peppermint overtones. Taste: Darker, heavier, sharper and more alcoholic, with a short maple finish. None of the buttery aftertaste. My initial impression of Crown Royal, upon opening it, as that of a dark 5 year rum. Price: $16-38. Trader Joe’s Canadian Whiskey Nose: Carmel, maple butter, warmer notes. Taste: There’s that maple butter again, this time with sugar crystals that dissolve down the tongue. This dram is smooth, with light carmel and maple notes. Price: $14.99 Conclusion: If you live in a state like California where liquor goes on sale, and you can purchase either bottle for around $16, have fun! Try both. If I had to choose I would go with Crown Royal every time. But when there’s a marked difference in price, and Crown is more expensive, I would have no second thoughts about purchasing the TJ’s brand. |
GS
1/25/2016 11:44:26 pm
I tried the TJ's brand, and it is not great. Heavy, heavy caramel coloring. Big grain taste, very young, no age statement. Really a disjointed delivery for me. If you can be fooled by this, the go ahead. However, I am not, and I do not like it. Crown Royal is much finer, if you appreciate its style. $5 makes a big difference here.
Russ
1/26/2016 08:19:49 am
Thanks for the comment GS. And I agree, there is something more refined about Crown Royal that just isn't present in the TJs offshoot.
Ron Fleury
1/30/2016 01:52:37 pm
TJ's is better than Black Velvet, but I think 40 Creek is better than it or CR. That would be another lower priced Canadian. It's harder to find.
Russ
1/31/2016 10:31:45 am
Thanks for the comment Ron. I've not heard of 40 Creek, but I will definitely be on the lookout for it now.
Les muller
10/16/2016 07:33:59 pm
I'll take Crown or Pendleton over Forty Creek. Creek is heavier, more like scotch, imo.
Robert
5/1/2016 07:20:23 pm
I happened to taste Pike Creek next to Trader Joe's Canadian Whiskey... I can't tell a difference between the two. Is there a chance this is the same product?
Russ
5/1/2016 08:37:05 pm
Hi Robert, I am having difficultly even considering how to write this review in a diplomatic manner. I have drank a lot of Canadian whiskey and I would take it over scotch, bourbon or any other type of Whiskey. I don't know whiskey from a professional or expert perspective but what I can tell you is that the Trader Joe's whiskey is total crap. It's not good straight and it's not good with even Coke. To compare it with Crown is an aberration of all that is good. This stuff is not suited to be drank by anyone. A better comparison is with Windsor Canadian (about $13/1.75), Black Velvet, Seagrams etc. Although I can't help but feel this is still a huge insult to these brands. My personal favorite is Windsor Canadian but the others are fine too. Seriously, Trader Joe's "Canadian" whiskey belong on the "rail" with all the other generic rail whiskeys. Really awful stuff.
Russ
6/7/2016 08:33:46 am
Jeremy,
Kt
8/23/2016 04:32:07 pm
I could drink Crown like water--it's not too much, very smooth unlike some stronger American whiskeys. However, I tried the TJ brand, and I couldn't finish the glass, it was so different from Crown I was terribly disappointed. I mean, if you're not too picky, go for it, but you wouldn't catch me buying TJ's.
Russ
8/24/2016 08:28:58 am
Thanks for the comment KT. I may have to revisit this one, as the consensus seems to be against me. :)
Jason
11/22/2016 07:55:43 pm
I would drink many whiskys over TJ. But I live in Seattle and a bottle of crown cost me about 35 bucks where a bottle of TJ's after taxes $21. Mix in a little ginger ale and I can't tell that big of a difference. It gets the job done during the week when I just want to lay back for a minute. I wish I had some better whisky prices because I would not drink it because I know it's inferior.
Russ
11/22/2016 08:47:11 pm
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment Jason. Sometimes it's price that makes all the difference. At least TJs is a decent price and isn't terrible.
Les muller
11/22/2016 08:55:46 pm
I'm drinking Crown as my daily whiskey now. I can buy the 1.75 bottle for 24.99 here in CA. 2/17/2021 02:18:17 am
I think is also lighter and very smoother. You can check once at our distillery in Ireland. You can visit our website to buy Single Malt Irish Whiskey online. Comments are closed.
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