This label makes it seems like Crown Royal is going out of their way to obscure the fact that this is just a hard soda. Even the font that they used to put "cola" on the front implies that whiskey is more predominant than cola in this, but this is only 7% ABV. That said, the plastic label that wraps this can is impressive in its detail. I suppose this is the kind of thing like the velvet bag that Crown Royal uses to make their products seem more premium. This wrap is textured to give it an interesting and unique feel, and I am into that.
The beverage pours just like a cola. It's that same color of cola that really should only be described as cola colored. The head works exactly like a cola head would work, but the aroma is distinctly laden with whiskey. I don't suppose that there is a cola in the world the can really stand up to the overpowering taste of a whiskey, and there's no indication as to what cola might even be involved in this. It seems like a marketing miss to not have RC Cola partner up with them. Think of it. Royal Crown and Crown Royal. That will be awesome.First sip is distinctly more alcohol than the aroma would let on. The whiskey is running the show, and the cola along for the ride. That said, the cola manages to dampen down what may otherwise be a significant alcohol bite, so the combination is a smoother and more refined beverage then whiskey alone might be. The 7% alcohol engenders a warmth that removes this from the realm of beverages intended for adolescents. So, this is not bad to sip.
Tip-in is moderate carbonation with cola almost going into cherry cola with just a film of whiskey in tow. The middle becomes very cola without the sugary sweetness, and it instead includes the warmth and distinguished nature of the whiskey. The finish removes all pretense and loses everything that the cola had to offer in order to allow the whiskey to rise up in some resemblance of a burp that you might have after a few shots of whiskey.
Bottom Line: Easy to drink and tastes pretty good.
3.0/5