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Whisky or Whiskey? Are these different things or is this just a difference in translation? Well, it’s complicated. The spelling itself doesn’t necessarily tell us what goes in the bottle but it does narrow it down.
If it’s from Scotland, Canada, or Japan, it’s spelled Whisky. If it’s made in Ireland or the United States it’s spelled Whiskey.
In this article, let’s focus on Canada and Ireland. The representative from Canada is Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky and the representative from Ireland is Jameson Irish Whiskey.
In the battle of Crown Royal Vs Jameson, how are they the same and how are they different – aside from the spelling of Whiskey?
Crown Royal or Jameson
The showdown of Crown Royal vs Jameson is one of the differing styles of the same liquor. Jameson vs Crown Royal is also a matchup between two powerhouse countries in the production of Whiskey (or Whisky).
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a blended Irish Whiskey that goes all the way back to 1780. For many years Jameson operated independently before combining with other Irish distillers to form the Irish Distillers Group.
The Irish Distillers Group including Jameson was acquired by French beverage behemoth Pernod Ricard in 1988. Even though technically owned by a French company, Jameson is all about Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the top-selling Irish Whiskey in the world.
Part of the popularity stems from being around for such a long time but Jameson is also a fine and accessible Whiskey that appeals to all drinkers.
Crown Royal is a relative baby compared to Jameson having been created in 1939. This blended Whisky was formulated as a tribute to some royal visitors to Canada – hence the crown.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth made that visit and Crown Royal hasn’t looked back.
Crown Royal is a Canadian Blended Whisky known for its smoothness and elegant presentation. The bottle is unmistakable with its ornate glass patterns, which are only enhanced by its plush purple bag. Crown Royal is the leading Canadian Whisky in the world by volume.
Crown Royal is now owned by the English company Diageo but is still produced in Canada.
Crown Royal Vs Jameson – How Are They Made?
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a blended Whiskey but what does this mean exactly? Blending can mean different things to different beverages. For Jameson, it means that they make two types of Whiskey and blend them together. The two types of Whiskey are grain Whiskey and pot still Whiskey.
Traditionally, pot stills have been used for small batch distillation and column stills for larger batches. Each type is distilled three times to achieve maximum smoothness.
Once distilled the Jameson is added to oak barrels that previously contained bourbon or fortified wine. The liquid then matures for at least three years in the barrel. Fun Fact: The Whiskey must be aged in Ireland to be able to call it Irish Whiskey. After aging, the Jameson is blended, bottled, and shipped out for consumption.
Like other Whisky, Crown Royal production all starts with grains. The grains are combined with water and yeast to start the process of yeast eating the grains to create alcohol. This process is otherwise known as fermentation. After fermentation, the alcohol is distilled and added to oak barrels.
The Whisky waits in the barrels for at least three years until the blending starts.
Crown Royal blending is distinct from Jameson blending. For Crown Royal, the master blender extracts Whisky from various barrels looking for the ultimate blend. The ultimate Crown Royal is a smooth and versatile Whisky.
Some Royal Crown variants have flavoring added or a longer aging period.
Crown Royal Vs Jameson – What Are They Made Of?
Jameson is made with barley and corn. The barley is malted and unmalted barley grown in Ireland. The corn, due to Ireland’s difficult climate, comes from farms in Southern France.
To put it mildly, the water used to make Jameson is local. So local that it comes from the Dungourney river which literally goes through the distillery.
Crown Royal is produced with ingredients from Canada. Crown Royal’s grain bill ingredients are corn, barley, and rye all from Canada. Crown Royal also has some flavored Whisky that uses flavors like apple, caramel, vanilla, and peach.
How Are They Similar?
Though we’ve spent some time highlighting the contrast between Crown Royal and Jameson they are quite similar. They have a similar grain bill even though they are from different countries.
They are also both high-proof, distilled, versatile, liquors that are golden-brown in hue. Both spirits are aged in wooden barrels for at least three years and have some flavored options as part of their product lines.
Price, Size, Colour, Alcohol Percentage Comparison
Crown Royal has an extensive product line that includes affordable bottles and some expensive bottles as the collection becomes older and rarer. Crown Royal comes in the expected bottle sizes with 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1.75 L being the most common.
The color of the alcohol ranges from golden to amber. The original Crown Royal Deluxe Blended Canadian Whisky is 80 Proof, the flavored varieties are 70 Proof, and some variants go up to 90 Proof.
The Crown Royal portfolio consists of the Signature Series, Flavour Series, and Master Series.
Signature Series
- Crown Royal Deluxe Blended Canadian Whisky
- 750 ml, From $24.99
- Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye – 90 Proof
- 750 ml, From $32.99
- Crown Royal Black – 90 Proof
- 750 ml, From $29.99
- Crown Royal Blender’s Mash
- 750 ml, From $31.99
Flavour Series – Apple, Peach, Vanilla, and Salted Caramel
- 750 ml, From $24.99
Master Series – Top Shelf Collection
- Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whisky
- 750 ml, From $149.99
- Crown Royal XR Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whisky
- 750 ml, From $144.99
- Royal Crown Reserve Canadian Whisky
- 750 ml, From $47.99
Jameson Irish Whiskey’s family of Whiskeys includes the original, flavored Whiskey, Caskmates Series, and Barrel Series.
Jameson shares similar pricing and bottle sizes with Crown Royal. Jameson pours a pale gold color with the exception of the Jameson Cold Brew which is black like coffee.
All Jameson varieties are 80 Proof except for the flavored varieties which are 60 Proof.
Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey
- 750 ml, From $24.99
- 75 L, From $46.99
Jameson Flavoured Whiskey – Orange and Cold Brew
- 750 ml, From $24.99
- 75 L, From $46.99
Jameson Irish Whiskey – Caskmates Edition – IPA and Stout
- 750 ml, From $31.99
Jameson Barrel Series – Black Barrel
- 750 ml, From $36.99
How to Drink?
Jameson and Crown Royal work well as shots or neat but how about cocktails? They also both bring any cocktail to life once incorporated with high-quality mixers and other spirits. Here are some of our favorites:
Jameson Apple Spritz
- 1 Part Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 2 Parts Ginger Ale
- 3 Parts Sparkling Apple Juice
- Lemon Wedge (for Garnish)
This one is so easy to make! Stir the liquid ingredients together in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
Blackberry Whisky Sour
- 2 oz Crown Royal
- 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Blackberries (for Garnish)
- Lemon Wedges (for Garnish)
Moisten the rim of a glass and dip it in sugar. Muddle blackberries at the bottom of the glass and fill with ice. Add the liquid ingredients to the glass and stir. Garnish with blackberries and lemon.
Alternatives
If Crown Royal is missing from your local saloon there are options for other blended Canadian Whisky. Signal Hill, Black Velvet, and Seagram’s VO Canadian Whisky top the list.
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and Bushmills Irish Whiskey are two other outstanding brands of Irish Whiskey in the marketplace. They both have storied histories and a similar price point if you are looking for an alternative to Jameson.
FAQs
Which came First?
Jameson Irish Whiskey launched in 1780 which is over 150 years before Crown Royal debuted in 1939.
Which is more Popular?
Both of these brands are extremely popular. They are both leaders in their own style. Crown Royal is the best-selling Canadian Whisky and Jameson is the best-selling Irish Whiskey.
Worldwide Crown Royal has a slight edge in overall sales by volume.
Which is Stronger?
Jameson and Crown Royal are both high-proof spirits. The most popular versions of each brand are 80 Proof.
The only times any of them dip below 80 Proof is the flavored varieties of Crown Royal which are 70 Proof and flavored Jameson which are 60 Proof.
Crown Royal has a 90 Proof offering so that makes them the winner but just by a nose.
Are they good Whiskeys?
Yes! Crown Royal and Jameson are mid-priced but elite spirits. They are both smooth on their own and excel as a cocktail base as well.
