PurSpirit Liquor Releases Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel at 51.5% ABV

Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by 5e2793

PUBLISHED: February 25 2026
PurSpirit Liquor has announced the release of a Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel — bottled at a bold 51.5% alcohol by volume (103 proof).

For Arkansas whiskey fans, Crown Royal barrel selections do not show up every day, and when they do, they tend to move quickly. This single barrel selection offers something a little different from the standard Crown Royal you find on most shelves.

What Makes This Release Different?

Unlike the flagship Crown Royal expression, a Hand Selected Barrel is chosen from an individual cask rather than blended from multiple barrels. That means:

• Slightly higher proof at 51.5% ABV
• Unique barrel character
• More concentrated flavor profile
• Subtle differences from bottle to bottle depending on the cask

Single barrels from Crown Royal often lean into richer oak tones, caramelized sugars, baking spice, and a deeper vanilla backbone compared to the smoother, lighter profile many associate with the standard purple bag release.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal was first created in 1939 to commemorate the royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada. Produced at the Gimli Distillery in Manitoba, it has become one of the most recognized Canadian whisky brands in North America.

Canadian whisky, by law, must be:

• Aged a minimum of three years in wood
• Distilled and matured in Canada
• Produced using cereal grains

Crown Royal is known for its smooth style, traditionally built from a blend of different grain whiskies, including corn, rye, and barley. A hand-selected barrel format allows enthusiasts to experience a more focused snapshot of that production style.

Why This One Is Worth Watching

At 51.5% ABV, this barrel offers more intensity than the standard 80 proof offering. For Arkansas drinkers who enjoy higher proof bourbon and single barrel picks, this could be a fun crossover bottle — especially for those who have not explored Canadian single barrels before.

If PurSpirit’s previous barrel picks are any indication, this one likely won’t linger long on the shelf.

Bottle Details

• Distillery: Crown Royal (Gimli, Manitoba)
• Style: Canadian Whisky
• Selection: Hand Selected Barrel
• Proof: 103 (51.5% ABV)
• Retailer: PurSpirit Liquor

As always, check with PurSpirit Liquor directly for pricing and availability.

ArkansasLiquor.com will continue tracking notable barrel picks and unique store selections happening across the state.