Oh Canada: Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is the 2016 World Whisky of the Year

"Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is the 2016 World Whisky of the Year, becoming the first Canadian whisky to earn the title in Jim Murray’s annual Whisky Bible, showcasing the brand’s prominence as a category leader. (CNW Group/Diageo Canada)".

Renowned whisky writer Jim Murray today announced Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye as the 2016 World Whisky of the Year, marking the first time a Canadian whisky has received the honor. The recognition comes at a time when the Canadian whisky category continues to gain popularity amongst whisky aficionados and consumers alike.

"Crown Royal Northern Harvest pops up out of nowhere and changes the game," said Murray of the whisky, which he awarded a record-tying 97.5 out of 100 points. "It certainly puts the rye into Canadian Rye. To say this is a masterpiece is barely doing it justice."

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was first released in Canada in the fall of 2015. The variant showcases the distinctly Canadian rye whiskey featured in the traditional Crown Royal Deluxe Blend that consumers have grown to love throughout the last 75-plus years. The latest variant to be introduced by Crown Royal, Northern Harvest Rye (45% ABV) is the brand's first ever blended, 95% rye whisky and embodies a smooth and spicy flavor profile that can be mixed into traditional rye cocktails or enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

"We couldn't be more proud that Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is the first Canadian whisky to be named World Whisky of the Year," said Alistair Kidd, Brand Director, Whisky at Diageo Canada.  "Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye showcases the rye whisky that is integral to making Canadian whisky unique, and is a testament to the incredible distilling and blending that takes place in Gimli, Manitoba, the home of Crown Royal."

The recognition comes six weeks after Crown Royal launched a new Canadian TV, digital and out-of-home campaign titled "We Make Whisky the Canadian Way," which celebrates the quality and authenticity of Crown Royal and is shot in part at the Gimli distillery. The ad highlights the ingredients, care and craftsmanship that go into making and enjoying Crown Royal Canadian Whisky. To view the TV spots please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jloYIZ8gQvs

In addition to being named 2016 World Whisky of the Year, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye received a double gold medal at this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is part of Crown Royal's extensive portfolio of variants that are made in Canada. This includes Crown Royal Deluxe, Crown Royal Apple, Crown Royal Maple Finished, Crown Royal Black, Crown Royal Limited Edition, Crown Royal Reserve.

Diageo is proud to add this incredible honor to its Hall of Fame of award-winning whiskeys globally. This year alone, Diageo has earned more awards across the World's Best ranks for its Canadian, Scotch and American whiskeys. Today at Diageo we are celebrating! Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is available at Liquor Stores across Canada, ranging from $32.50-$35.00 CDN for a 750 mL bottle. While raising a glass of Northern Harvest Rye in honor of this award, Crown Royal reminds consumers and whisky aficionados to please drink responsibly.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc, and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyards and Sterling Vineyards Wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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SOURCE Diageo Canada