Originally Posted by TMOliver

Crown Royal, at any level, falls into the same category as a popular description of some hereabouts, "All hat and no cattle".

Copying the methodolgy with which Doyle Dane Bernbach long ago brought Chivas Regal to substantial popularity and increased sales, it's simply a whisk(e) carefully blended (and liberally colored and sweetened) to appeal to a particular flavor profile, realtively bland and with little "edge". I'm sure that the up-market "reserve" versions are even more carefully prepared from selected and aged distillates, but watching most of those who drink it choosing Coke, 7UP and similar mixers, I tend the think that DDB was right, the same people who want to mix name brand cognac with Coca Cola are suckers for a fancy labels, "exclusive" advertising and market position and a high price, whether for blended Scotch or an innocuous blend of spirits - mostly Canadian type - so mildly flavored and 'smooth'.

Just as there are 100s of single malts from Scotland, many of unique appeal, there are no end of straight Bourbons, limited in production and all sorts of prices, aged and selected for the palates of those who seriously appreciate well flavored whisk(e)y.

You may like the flavor of Crown (and like even better the fancy grades of the product), but even sipped straight and at room temperature to me it's almost characterless (and that may be a big part of its success).