This is a 1L bottle I picked up at auction some time ago - although I don't know when it was bottled, I'm going to hazard a guess that it's from the 1990s.
The colour is a light caramel. Some rye spice on the nose, with otherwise nondescript notes of toffee, vanilla and indistinct herbs. Pretty mild oak. Pencil shavings. Although a few drops of water gives it some maltiness and wood smoke, there's nothing special here except standard Canadian whisky.
Thin on the palate with butterscotch, vanilla extract and a hint of pepper. A bit of apple & cinnamon. A bit creamier and spicier with water. Not much else going on here.
The finish is medium length with cloves, toasted oak and caramel. All in all, this is pretty standard stuff; although I haven't tried the modern version, I'm willing to bet this is slightly better. Older bottlings of standard Crown Royal and Canadian Club can be quite stunning, but unfortunately this one doesn't greatly impress.
@Nozinan I fully expect that you will be. What a nice time that will be.
@Victor Wait till you try some of the newer CS Canadian offerings @Victor... I really want to be there when you do...