Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky (a type of whiskey), not a bourbon, rum, or vodka.

Quick Scoop: What Type of Alcohol Is Crown Royal?

  • It’s a blended Canadian whisky (legally classified under the “Canadian whisky” category).
  • Made from a blend of grain whiskies (typically corn, rye, and barley) that are aged in oak barrels.
  • Standard Crown Royal (often called Crown Royal Deluxe) is 40% ABV (80 proof), which is typical for whisky.

Is It Bourbon, Scotch, or Something Else?

  • Not bourbon: Bourbon must be made in the U.S. and follow strict rules about mash bills and new charred oak barrels; Crown Royal is made in Canada and doesn’t meet bourbon’s legal definition.
  • Not Scotch: Scotch must be made in Scotland; Crown Royal is fully produced and bottled in Canada.
  • Best label: “Blended Canadian whisky” is the accurate, legal style description.

How People Commonly Drink It

  • Neat or on the rocks, thanks to its smooth, mellow profile.
  • In mixed drinks and cocktails (e.g., whisky and cola, whisky sour, ready-to-drink canned cocktails).

If you’re looking at a bar menu or store shelf and wondering “what type of alcohol is Crown Royal,” the simplest correct answer is: it’s a Canadian whisky brand.

TL;DR: Crown Royal = Canadian whisky (blended whiskey at about 40% ABV), not bourbon or vodka.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.