Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye vs Jack Daniels Rye: Which Rye Whiskey is Better?

If you’re a fan of rye whiskey, you’re probably familiar with Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye  and Jack Daniel’s Rye. Both of these whiskeys are known for their unique flavors and smooth finishes, making them a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye to help you decide which one is right for you.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is a Canadian whiskey that is made from a blend of rye, corn, and barley. It is known for its smooth and spicy flavor, with hints of vanilla and oak. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is aged for at least three years in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a bold and flavorful rye whiskey.

On the other hand, Jack Daniel’s Rye is a Tennessee whiskey that is made from a blend of rye, corn, and barley. It is known for its smooth and mellow flavor, with hints of caramel and vanilla. Jack Daniel’s Rye is aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels, which gives it a unique and distinct flavor. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a smooth and easy-to-drink rye whiskey.

Both Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniels Rye are relatively new additions to their respective whiskey families. However, they have quickly gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts due to their bold and spicy flavors.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye’s History

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is a relatively new addition to the Crown Royal family, which was first introduced in 2015. The Canadian whiskey brand added Rye to its lineup to cater to the growing demand for rye whiskey in the United States. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is made with 90% rye, making it a bold and spicy whiskey with a smooth finish.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is distilled in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, and is aged for at least three years in new American oak barrels before being blended and bottled. The whiskey has won several awards, and became the first Canadian Whisky to earn World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Annual Whisky Bible 2016.

Jack Daniels Rye’s History

Jack Daniels Rye is also a new addition to the Jack Daniels family, first introduced in 2016. Jack Daniels Rye is made with 70% rye, making it a bold and spicy whiskey with a smooth finish.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye Whiskey is crafted using the same age-old process that the brand has adhered to for over a century. The whiskey has won several awards, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye’s Production Process

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is made from 90% rye, 10% malted barley, and water. The production process starts with the selection of the finest rye grains, which are then mashed and fermented. The fermented mash is then distilled in copper stills and aged in new charred oak barrels. The maturation process takes at least three years to ensure the perfect flavor profile.

Its unique flavor profile comes from the use of a Coffey still, which allows for a smoother and cleaner taste. The Coffey still is a type of continuous still that uses two columns to separate the alcohol from the water and other impurities. The result is a whiskey that is smooth and has a distinct rye flavor.

Jack Daniels Rye’s Production Process

Jack Daniels Rye is made from a combination of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley. Jack Daniel’s production process is a testament to craftsmanship and tradition. It begins with a unique mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, fermented with yeast to create the distiller’s beer. Distillation separates the alcohol, producing “white dog.”

The iconic Lincoln County Process involves charcoal mellowing, enhancing the whiskey’s smoothness and flavor. Maturation in charred oak barrels deepens the taste, resulting in the rich amber-colored Tennessee whiskey. This meticulous process, rooted in tradition, ensures the exceptional quality that has made Jack Daniel’s an iconic American brand for over a century.

Both Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniels Rye use similar production processes but have their unique twists that make them stand out. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye uses a Coffey still to create a smoother and cleaner taste, while Jack Daniels Rye uses the Lincoln County Process to add a hint of smokiness to the whiskey.

When it comes to taste, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye each have their own unique flavor profiles. Here’s a comparison of the two:

• Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye: This rye has a smooth and spicy taste with notes of vanilla and caramel. It has a medium to full body and a long finish with a hint of oak. The spice is not overpowering and is well-balanced with the sweetness.
  
• Jack Daniel’s Rye: This rye has a bold and spicy taste with hints of fruit and caramel. It has a medium body and a smooth finish with a touch of oak. The spice is more pronounced than in Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and may be too intense for some palates.

In terms of overall taste, both Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye are excellent choices.

When it comes to choosing between Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye, price is definitely a factor that you will want to consider. While both are high-quality rye whiskies, there are some differences in price that may sway your decision.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is generally priced at around $30-$37 for a 750ml bottle. This puts it in the mid-range for rye whiskies, making it a good choice for those who want a quality rye without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, Jack Daniel’s Rye is slightly more expensive, with a price range of around $35-$40 for a 750ml bottle. While it is still reasonably priced, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.

Of course, price isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing between these two rye whiskies. You’ll also want to consider factors such as taste, aroma, and overall quality. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality rye that won’t break the bank, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is definitely worth considering.

In the end, the decision between Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye comes down to personal preference. Both are excellent choices with unique flavors and characteristics.

If you prefer a sweeter, smoother taste, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye may be the better option for you. Its blend of rye, corn, and barley gives it a smooth and sweet taste, with spiced vanilla and soft peppery notes. It’s a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.

On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier, bolder taste, Jack Daniel’s Rye may be the way to go. Its 70% rye content gives it a spicy kick, with notes of black pepper and cinnamon. It’s a great choice for mixing in cocktails or enjoying on its own.

Ultimately, both Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye and Jack Daniel’s Rye are high-quality whiskies that are worth trying. Whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier taste, both options offer unique and enjoyable drinking experiences.