Crown Royal vs Hennessy: Which One Should You Choose?

Are you wondering whether to choose Crown Royal or Hennessy for your next drink? Both are popular spirits with distinct flavors and characteristics. Crown Royal is a Canadian whiskey that is known for its smoothness and versatility. It is available in several varieties, including the signature, flavored, and master series. Hennessy, on the other hand, is a cognac that is made in France and has a more intense and richer profile.

With its smooth and balanced flavor, Crown Royal is a blended whiskey that has notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. It is made from a mix of different whiskeys, including rye, corn, and barley, and is aged in oak barrels to give it a distinctive taste. Crown Royal is also available in several flavors, including apple, peach, and vanilla, which can be used to create delicious cocktails.

Hennessy is a cognac that is made from grapes and aged in oak barrels for several years, which gives it a rich and intense flavor. Although it is often consumed on its own, Hennessy is also a popular ingredient in cocktails, particularly those that require a strong and distinctive flavor.

Crown Royal and Hennessy are two of the most popular spirits in the world. Both have a rich history, and their origins are traced back to different parts of the world.

Crown Royal History

Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky that was first introduced in 1939. It was created as a gift for the royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada. The name “Crown Royal” was chosen to symbolize the royal visit, and the bottle features a crown-shaped cap.

Crown Royal has since become one of the most popular whiskies in Canada and the United States. It is known for its smooth taste and is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Crown Royal has also released several different varieties, including Crown Royal Black, Crown Royal Reserve, and Crown Royal XO.

Hennessy History

Hennessy is a French cognac that was first produced in 1765 by Richard Hennessy. The company was originally founded in Cognac, France, and has since become one of the most popular cognac brands in the world.

Hennessy is made from a blend of eaux-de-vie (water of life) that is aged in oak barrels. The cognac is known for its rich and complex flavor, which is a result of the aging process. Hennessy is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it is also a popular ingredient in cocktails.

Over the years, Hennessy has released several different varieties, including Hennessy VS, Hennessy VSOP, and Hennessy XO. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile, and they are all enjoyed by cognac enthusiasts around the world.

When it comes to Crown Royal vs Hennessy, one of the key differences is in their production process. Here’s a closer look at how each of these popular spirits is made.

Crown Royal Production Process

Crown Royal is made of five different mashbill recipes, all undisclosed. Approximately 80 percent of the grains used (corn, rye, and barley) are locally sourced from Manitoba and other nearby provinces. The remaining 20 percent comes from other parts of Canada and the United States.

The grains are milled and mashed before being fermented with water and yeast in stainless steel tanks. The resulting “beer” is then distilled in copper pot stills before being aged in oak barrels for varying periods of time, depending on the specific Crown Royal product. Once the whisky has aged to perfection, it is blended and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).

Hennessy Production Process

Hennessy’s production is not incredibly different from that of Crown Royal but there are quite a few noticeable differences. For one, Hennessy is made by first making wine. At first, this sounds wild until you recall that wine is made by fermenting grapes. Essentially, Hennessy ferments grapes and Crown Royal ferments grains.

After the wine is made, it is distilled twice in copper pot stills to create a high-alcohol spirit. This spirit is then aged in oak barrels for varying periods of time, depending on the specific Hennessy product. Once the cognac has aged to perfection, it is blended and bottled at varying proof levels, depending on the specific product.

When it comes to taste, Crown Royal and Hennessy are both smooth and sophisticated spirits. However, there are some notable differences between the two.

Crown Royal has a creamy texture with notes of vanilla and oak. It is a blended whisky made from a mix of different whiskies, including rye, corn, and barley. The resulting flavor is smooth and balanced, making it a great choice for beginners.

On the other hand, Hennessy has a subtly sweet and oaky taste. It is a cognac, which means it is made from grapes and aged in oak barrels. Hennessy’s sweetness can be described as fruity or floral, and it has some intense flavor notes that might not appeal to a newbie.

When it comes to price, Crown Royal and Hennessy are both premium spirits that command a premium price. However, there are some differences between the two brands that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

The most common and lowest price offering for Hennessy is the Hennessy VS Cognac, which costs around $45.99 for a 750 ml bottle. From there, there are moderately more expensive bottles all the way up to bottles priced in the thousands of dollars. The price goes up as the rarity and age go up.

On the other hand, Crown Royal’s Flagship brand, Crown Royal Deluxe, costs around $42 per liter. This price is more affordable than the Hennessy VS Cognac. However, Crown Royal also has higher-priced products, which can cost upwards of $150.

It’s important to note that both brands have valid reasoning behind their higher-priced products. For example, Crown Royal’s higher-priced products may be aged for longer periods, or they may be made using rare and unique ingredients. Similarly, Hennessy’s higher-priced products may be aged for longer periods, or they may be made using rare and unique blends of eaux-de-vie.

In the end, the choice between Crown Royal and Hennessy comes down to personal taste and preference. Both are excellent spirits with their unique characteristics.

If you are a beginner, Crown Royal is a better choice as it is smoother and more approachable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more complex and intense flavor, Hennessy might be the better option for you.

When it comes to production, both spirits have some noticeable differences. Hennessy is made by fermenting grapes, while Crown Royal ferments grains. This difference in production can result in different flavor profiles.

In terms of popularity, both Crown Royal and Hennessy are among the top-selling spirits in their respective categories. However, Crown Royal is more popular in North America, while Hennessy has a more global appeal.

Whichever you choose, both are excellent choices for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.