Canadian rye named 2016 World Whisky of the Year

GIMLI, Man. – Labeling Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye a “masterpiece” is an understatement, according to renowned whisky writer Jim Murray.

On Nov. 19, Northern Harvest Rye was named the 2016 World Whisky of the Year, in Murray’s Whisky Bible, the first time a Canadian product has palced first in the publication’s 13 years. Northern Harvest Rye scored a record-tying 97.5 out of 100 points. 

"Crown Royal Northern Harvest pops up out of nowhere and changes the game," Murray said. "It certainly puts the rye into Canadian Rye. To say this is a masterpiece is barely doing it justice."

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye (45 per cent abv) was released in Canada this fall. The spirit is the brand first 95 per cent rye whisky.

Crown Royal is distilled in Gimli, Man., a town of about 2,000 people on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. The distillery, now owned by Diageo, began producing Crown Royal in 1939, following a visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

"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, whisky brand director at Diageo Canada.  "Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye … is a testament to the incredible distilling and blending that takes place in Gimli, Manitoba."

In addition to being named 2016 World Whisky of the Year, Northern Harvest Rye received a double gold medal at this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition.