Discover the differences between Black Velvet vs Crown Royal in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!
Black Velvet: A Review That Prioritizes Transparency
- Nose: Vanilla, corn, ethanol
- Palate: Oak, ethanol, cotton candy, oak spice
- Finish: Nail polish
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Canadian Mist
Aromas: Black Velvet presents a straightforward nose dominated by notes of vanilla and corn, accompanied by a noticeable presence of alcohol.
Palate: Unfortunately, the initial promise fades on the palate. The whisky lacks body and is heavily influenced by oak and ethanol, resulting in a harshness that overshadows any other flavors. An unwelcome sweetness reminiscent of cotton candy emerges, but quickly turns bitter with a lingering oak spice.
Finish: The short finish amplifies the unpleasantness with a distinct nail polish note, making it far from a pleasurable experience.
Mixing Potential: Even adding Coke fails to mask the off-putting character of Black Velvet. The nail polish note stubbornly persists, rendering it unsuitable for cocktails.
Conclusion: It is with regret that I cannot offer any positive insights about the taste of Black Velvet. Compared to Heaven Hill’s commendable offerings like Evan Williams, which shines in both flavor and value, Black Velvet falls short in every aspect.
Facts & Additional Notes:
- Aged for 3 years, primarily composed of corn in the mashbill.
- Produced at The Black Velvet distillery in Canada.
- Owned by U.S.-based Heaven Hill, known for other well-regarded brands.
Black Velvet vs Crown Royal: Comparison
Black Velvet: Dominated by vanilla and corn on the nose, but disappoints on the palate with ethanol and an odd cotton candy sweetness, finishing with bitter notes. 80 proof.
Crown Royal: Offers a gentle nose of vanilla, caramel, and pear, leading to a palate of clove and ripe fruit with a short caramel and oak spice finish. 80 proof.
The Verdict: “Black Velvet and Crown Royal present two distinct approaches to Canadian whisky. Black Velvet struggles to find its footing, overshadowed by odd flavors and not the best finish, yet provides an option to make cocktails on a budget. Crown Royal maintains a smooth and approachable profile, making it a better choice for those seeking a lighter whisky experience suitable for casual sipping or mixing in cocktails.”, states whisky expert Neil Coleman.
Black Velvet vs. Crown Royal (Special) Reserve
FAQ
Is Black Velvet whiskey top shelf?
What type of whiskey is black velvet?
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Black Velvet Canadian Whisky
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Type
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Canadian whisky
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Country of origin
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Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada
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Alcohol by volume
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40.00%
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Proof (US)
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80
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What’s the difference between Crown Royal and Crown Royal Black?
Is black velvet a good whiskey?
Don’t worry about “good”, since it will all taste like whiskey and alcohol to you at first. If your grandfather is willing, certainly try some. Black Velvet is a Canadian blended whiskey and will taste similar, but not necessarily the same as Seagram’s 7 or Crown Royal.
Is black velvet a Bourbon?
Black Velvet is a Canadian blended whiskey and will taste similar, but not necessarily the same as Seagram’s 7 or Crown Royal. It’s made with corn and rye, so it will be more like a bourbon than a Scotch Whisky. In my opinion, most Canadian whiskeys are intended for mixing in cocktails rather than drinking straight.
What is a good alternative to Crown Royal?
Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve are some American whiskeys similar to Crown Royal. What’s a cheaper alternative to Crown Royal? Monarch, Forty Creek Barrel Select, and J.P. Wisers Rye are cheaper bottle alternatives to Crown Royal. Crown Royal may be the benchmark for Canadian whisky, but you can still find alternative bottles in the market.
Is Kirkland a good alternative to Crown Royal?
Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky Why We Like It: Kirkland Signature Canadian whisky’s tasting profile is comparable to Crown Royal, especially its sweet vanilla and maple notes. At 1.75L, the price of around $23 is hard to beat for something decent and tasty Canadian whisky, making it a good alternative for a bottle of Crown Royal.