Crown Royal made its name as a smooth Canadian whisky. Now it thrills with flavored whisky liqueurs. Two of the biggest stars are Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Blackberry.
Flavored whiskies are not for everyone. They sit at 70 proof and lean sweet. Yet they have ignited spirited growth in the whisky world. Many new whisky drinkers find them a friendly entry point. These expressions can also inspire creative cocktails.
In this article, we compare how each is made. We explore their flavor profiles. We share expert views and real quotes. We look at how to enjoy them. We weigh versatility and value. By the end, you will know which one deserves the crown.
How They’re Made
Both Regal Apple and Blackberry start with Crown Royal’s classic Canadian whisky. That base is a blend of whiskies made from corn, rye, and malted barley, aged in oak barrels.
Crown Royal Regal Apple launched in 2014. The brand says it is “a perfectly balanced blend of our whiskies infused with natural apple flavor”. The process uses Regal Gala apples, soaked and distilled to capture crisp apple essence. That apple distillate is then blended into the whisky.
Crown Royal Blackberry arrived in 2024 as a limited edition. The company describes it as “a vibrantly delicious whisky, bursting with the luscious flavor of blackberry”. The infusion process adds rich berry character while keeping the whisky smooth.
The key difference is permanence. Regal Apple is part of the permanent lineup and is sold worldwide. Blackberry is a seasonal release for spring and summer.
Flavor Face-Off: What The Experts Say
Crown Royal Regal Apple
Regal Apple has been on shelves since 2014, and it makes an immediate impression. The aroma is bold, with crisp green apple that some compare to candy. Christopher Null at Drinkhacker wrote, “For a bright, shining moment, Crown Royal Regal Apple is apple pie in a glass… but it doesn’t last.” He added that, “in a world soon to be overrun by apple-flavored hooch, it’s probably as good as can be expected.”
BoozeDancing had a similar reaction. “It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t very good either. I would have probably liked it better if the whisky flavors were more dominant with the apple flavors playing back up. I think the fact that Crown Royal recommends having this as ‘a shot, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail’ pretty much says it all. If a spirit can’t stand on its own two feet, what’s the point?”
However, these reviews underline a key point for me. Regal Apple (nor Blackberry) is not made to be sipped neat by whisky enthusiasts. It is a sweet, flavored liqueur that shines in cocktails and mixed drinks. Taken in that context, it delivers what many drinkers want: a smooth, approachable whisky with a fruity twist.
Crown Royal Blackberry
Blackberry, released in 2024, has been better received by many reviewers. It carries notes of blackberry jam, vanilla, and light oak. On the palate, it is sweet, but a gentle tartness helps to balance it.
The Whiskey Wench wrote, “On its own, this whisky is sweet with blackberry jam and vanilla notes. Towards the end you get a tartness which brings a nice relief to that sweetness.” She added that it is not her preference neat, but in cocktails it worked beautifully. “We kept it simple and followed the lemonade recipe on the back of the box and this was fantastic… This cocktail is refreshing with the right amount of sweetness from the whisky. There is the perfect balance of sourness from the lemonade and the sweetness of the blackberry jam.”
Her conclusion sums up the reception well: “Overall, I would not drink it neat… but in cocktails, this is a major win. I absolutely loved the lemonade and could drink this all summer long.”
Blackberry comes across as more balanced than Apple. Its tart edge keeps the sweetness in check, and its flavor integrates well into summer-style cocktails.
How to Drink Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Blackberry
Flavored whiskies like Crown Royal Apple and Blackberry are designed for mixing. Both can be sipped neat or over ice, but most critics agree they shine brighter in cocktails.
Crown Royal Apple has become known for simple, crowd-pleasing serves. The brand highlights its use “as a shot, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.
The most famous mix is the Crownberry Apple, which combines Regal Apple with cranberry juice over ice. It also works well with ginger ale. As Wine Enthusiast noted, “Mix with ginger ale or club soda for an easy-sipping highball”. These drinks soften the sweetness and bring out the whisky backbone.
Crown Royal Blackberry was launched with cocktails in mind. The Whiskey Wench tried it with lemonade and called it “fantastic… refreshing with the right amount of sweetness from the whisky”.
Crown Royal itself suggested serves like a Blackberry Bramble or Blackberry Collins in its launch press release. Reviewers also noted it works in iced tea or even coffee for those who want to experiment.
Both flavors can find their way into seasonal drinks. Apple blends naturally into fall cocktails like cider or toddies. Blackberry feels suited for summer, paired with citrus and soda. In either case, the message from experts is clear. Enjoy them mixed, and you will get the best from these sweet, fruit-forward whiskies.
Versatility & Value
Crown Royal Apple is the more versatile option. Its tart, candy-like flavor pairs with cranberry, ginger ale, cider, or soda, and it works year-round. It is widely available in the U.S. for about $25–$30, and in Canada for around CAD $35.
Crown Royal Blackberry is newer and seasonally limited. It launched at $26.99 in the U.S. but sold out quickly in many areas. Availability outside North America is scarce.
The Verdict: Which Wears the Crown?
Between the two, Crown Royal Apple takes the crown. It is affordable, widely available, and endlessly mixable. That makes it a reliable go-to for parties, cocktails, or easy sipping.
Crown Royal Blackberry impressed critics and drinkers with its jammy sweetness and tart balance. The Whiskey Wench called it “a major win in cocktails” and said the lemonade serve was “fantastic”.
In our view, Blackberry could edge out Apple if it were a permanent part of the lineup. Its flavor is more complex, and it opens doors to more unique cocktails where apple can feel one-note.
But availability matters. Apple is always on the shelf. Blackberry is seasonal and often hard to find. For that reason, Apple wears the crown for now, while Blackberry remains a welcome challenger.
Is There a Crown Royal Pineapple?
You might have seen rumours or mock-ups suggesting a pineapple‑flavored Crown Royal, but this product does not exist. No official listing or credible retailer carries it. Sites like FindMeABrewery and DrinkStack confirm that Crown Royal has never released a pineapple whisky and that any such label or promotion appears to be fake.
In fact, DrinkStack points out that this “release” may have been an April Fool’s joke. The supposed product featured label errors and informal wording that would probably never have been approved, had it been a serious proposal.
So the short answer: No, there is no Crown Royal Pineapple. If you want that tropical flavor, try pineapple-infused whiskies from other brands instead. Jim Beam, for example, has a pineapple whiskey.
Read the full article at Crown Royal Blackberry vs Apple: Experts Reveal Which Is The Best
