Corby's Royal Reserve
Royal Reserve is the name of a whisky distilled by Corby’s, a major Canadian distiller that was bought by Hiram Walker a few years ago. With all the mergers going on in the spirit world, it’s hard to say who own’s Corby now. The one thing that Corby has done is create some good Canadian whiskies, including the Canadian Whisky Guild series. The three whiskies, Lot No. 40, Pike Creek and Gooderham & Worts were small batch whiskies created to showcase to the world the excellence and craftsmanship that Canadian distilling is capable. If I had the resources, I would love to review these three whiskies, but alas, they are harder to come by and more expensive. So what does this have to do with Royal Reserve? Well, some of the whiskies used to blend the Canadian Whisky Guild series are used in Royal Reserve.
Aside from the specialty whiskies made by Corby, they also make Wiser’s, which is another good Canadian whisky. In a few days I’ll be reviewing Wiser’s Deluxe. But Royal Reserve seems to be the black sheep of the family. You rarely see any advertisements for it and the bottle looks a little dated and in need of a make over. But, those things don’t really matter, because it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
There isn’t a lot of history that I can find on this product and there isn’t a lot of advertisement for the product either. But detective work isn’t my goal for this review, so that will have to wait till later. Whisky tasting is the goal. Incidently, if anybody from Corby reads this site, please feel free to send me some information. Most of the information I have gathered comes from talking to people. One time when I was discussing which type of whisky a co-worker bought, he sheepishly admitted that he liked Royal Reserve. I found that odd, but again so few people relate with this product, because there is no advertising and the product image is so dated that it can no longer be hip to buy. So, the only reason a person would by it is because it tastes good. Could that be true?
Tasting: Neat
Nose: Alcohol on the nose with sweet vanilla and fruitiness
Palate: Sweet, caramel with vanilla and some rye bite on the finish
Finish: Oak and rye with a bit of smoke. Very smooth
With Water
Adding a few drops of water softens the nose and brings out the toffee quality, along with the vanilla and subtle fruit. Even though this whisky was smooth at 40%, the water really smoothed it out. The flavours are still toffee like with some rye bite and a small amount of oak in the finish. The finish is drier than expected based on the sweetness experienced when it first hits your tongue.
Comparison
When compared to Crown Royal, you’ll find that Royal Reserve is noticeably sweeter to start, but the finishes are similar with that rye and oak flavour. Crown Royal is a little more refined and complex, but Royal Reserve holds it own and isn’t as one dimensional as I thought it would be. There is lot’s of flavour in the Royal Reserve, but Crown Royal display’s its flavours better.
Summary
Even though Corby doesn’t do much marketing for this product, it is actually a pretty good Canadian whisky. It’s true to style, but has more than one dimension. Unlike products like Seagrams VO, Royal Reserve doesn’t try to be flavourless brown vodka. That’s a good thing, because whisky should have character, but can still be smooth. Basically, I was pleasantly surprised by this whisky.
Recommendations:
Rye and Coke with a squeeze of lime
Manhattan or a Whisky Sour
14 Comments on Corby's Royal Reserve
Leave a comment on Corby's Royal Reserve
"I found that odd, but again so few people relate with this product, because there is no advertising and the product image is so dated that it can no longer be hip to buy. So, the only reason a person would by it is because it tastes good. Could that be true?"
No. It taste wretched compared to other Canadian whiskeys. The reason people buy it is because it's the cheapest and it comes with a proud canadaian sticker on every bottle.
It is one of the best whiskeys i have tasted, i LOVe shiskey and this is one of my favorite, its not as good as crown royal but its right up there with it... any one who does not enjoy the taste of this whiskey should go back to drinking their coolers
R&R is dirty if you want a good wiskey i suggest wisers de luxe. nothing goes down better then old uncle wisers.
RnR blows any rye out of the dregs that they came from...makes for a sweet rye and coke...and goes down smooth out of the bottle...A taste this good should cost more than $20.00 a 26, but I'm glad it doesn't, so I can drink more of it.
We recently visited Victoria (Canada) and discovered Corby's RR. Was wonderful! We live in Seattle. Any chance we could locate RR in this area?
Royal Reserve is the best tasting Whickey i have ever had and i would choose it over Crown Royal anyday it is smooth and tasty. not only better tasting but cheaper in price not quality.
My husband and I enjoy this rye whisky but cannot find it in the US. Do you know of any distributor. Thank you
Royal Reserve is my fav. out of all whiskeys. I can only get it once a year when we go to vacation in ontario Canada. I always thought that this was a much better whiskey because it was made from Rye rather than " Blended ". Like everything we get in the states. Does any one know where I can locate this product in the United states? or maybe who I can order it from thanks. I enjoy and any insightfull info anyone may have thanks again Cheers!
I inherited a bottle (actually a rectangular glass decanter) of 1940's Corby's Canandian Park Lane Whisky in a red velvet box and original carton. I don't drink....anyone have any suggestions of where I can find a place to consign this bottle?
I have been drinking prodominately R&R for 4 years or so(since i was legal.) I have tried others (I had a love affair with crown royal for a few months) but I always seem to go with Rough and Rowdy. It is not because it the cheapest; black velvet is cheaper. And not because of the sticker, as there are numerous bottles in my recycling still bearing a sticker. It is becuase it is a great whisky. If you don't like it, fine. However, a LOT of people do. That has to be worth something
Royal Reserve is a gift from the gods. Economically priced and a taste beat only by the most expensive of whiskeys. Go buy a 60 and drink ure life away.
This is my favorite whiskey by far. I only wish that i was able to by a nice gift set. Gift sets are nice ways to get other people to try it.
Hi Annette!
Do you still have that bottle of Park Lane? I'm very interested in purchasing it! Please contact me.
Cheers, Tim
613-731-8118
have found an old bottle with red parrot. Right underneath, "Say Corby's"
does anyone have info on this bottle? Bottom of bottle, reads, R o 1935 with a capital x after the 1936.