Size matters. But maybe not the way you think. Usually, when people talk about a Crown Royal small bottle, they’re thinking about those tiny 50ml nips you find at the airport or the checkout counter of a liquor store. You know the ones. They look like dollhouse versions of the real thing. But honestly? Those little 50ml "airplane bottles" and their slightly bigger 200ml or 375ml cousins are the most underrated tools in any whisky drinker's arsenal.
People look at them as an afterthought. A impulse buy.
They're wrong.
If you’re walking into a Total Wine or a local mom-and-pop shop, you’ve probably seen the wall of miniatures. Crown Royal stands out because of that iconic shape. Even at two inches tall, it keeps the crown-style decanter look. It’s a design that traces back to 1939, originally created to honor King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their grand tour of Canada. Back then, it was a massive deal. Today, it’s a staple. But the small bottle version? That’s where the utility is.
The 50ml Crown Royal Small Bottle: Not Just for Airplanes
Let’s talk about the 50ml. It’s basically one standard pour. 1.7 ounces of liquid gold.
Why buy it?
Because whisky oxidizes. The moment you open a 750ml fifth, air gets in. If you aren't a daily drinker, that bottle sits on your shelf for six months, slowly losing its punch and that specific vanilla-and-oak profile Crown is famous for. A Crown Royal small bottle is a fresh seal every single time. It’s the freshest possible version of the blend. You crack it, you pour it, it's gone. No degradation.
It’s also the ultimate "try before you buy" move. Crown Royal has been busy lately. They aren't just doing the classic Fine De Luxe anymore. They have the Regal Apple, the Vanilla, and the salted caramel that everyone goes nuts for in the winter. Buying a full-sized bottle of flavored whisky is a commitment. What if it’s too sweet? What if the apple flavor reminds you of Jolly Ranchers in a bad way?
Grab the 50ml. It costs about three bucks. It’s a low-stakes experiment.
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What You’re Actually Getting Inside
Inside that tiny glass (or sometimes plastic) vessel is a blend of 50 different whiskies. Most people don't realize how complex the Gimli, Manitoba distillery actually is. They use five different mash bills and twelve different distillation columns.
- There's a "base" grain whisky that’s light and airy.
- There's a "flavoring" rye that brings the spice.
- There's a heavy, rich "Coffey Rye" that gives it that creamy mouthfeel.
When you sip from a Crown Royal small bottle, you're tasting a master blender's attempt to keep that flavor profile identical across millions of gallons. It’s a feat of engineering, really. Whether it's the 50ml or the 1.75L handle, the flavor shouldn't budge. You get that initial hit of caramel, a bit of brightness from the rye, and a smooth, slightly short finish.
The 200ml and 375ml Mid-Range
Now, if we move up the ladder, we hit the "flasks."
The 200ml is roughly four shots. The 375ml—often called a "pint" even though it’s actually about 12 ounces—is the sweet spot for a weekend trip.
Here is something most people get wrong: they think the small bottles are a rip-off. If you do the math on price per ounce, yes, the 750ml or the 1.75L is cheaper. Obviously. But you’re paying for the convenience of the form factor. The 375ml Crown Royal small bottle fits perfectly in a jacket pocket or a hiking bag. It’s glass, it’s heavy, it feels substantial.
I’ve seen people use these for "infinity bottles" too. Once you finish the 375ml, don't throw it away. The labels on Crown Royal are high quality, and the glass is thick. It’s a great vessel for housing your own blends or for taking a decent amount of spirits to a bonfire without lugging a full, fragile liter around.
Why the Purple Bag Still Matters (Even for Small Sizes)
We have to talk about the bag.
The purple felt bag is a cultural icon. It’s arguably more famous than the whisky itself. In the 50ml size, you don't always get the bag. Usually, those are sold loose. However, some gift packs and the 200ml/375ml sizes often come boxed with a tiny version of that purple drawstring pouch.
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People use those bags for everything. Dice for DnD. Spare change in the car. Scrabble tiles.
It’s a weirdly effective piece of marketing that hasn't changed in decades. When you buy a Crown Royal small bottle that includes the bag, you’re buying into a tradition that started with Canadian royalty. It feels a bit more "premium" than a standard bottle of Jack or Jim Beam, which are just... bottles.
Practical Uses You Haven't Considered
Stocking a home bar is expensive. If you’re hosting a party and want to offer a variety of cocktails, buying full liters of everything is a fast way to go broke.
- Use the 50ml bottles for "boozy party favors."
- Use them for baking. A splash of Crown Royal in a pecan pie or a bread pudding is transformative. You don't need a whole bottle for that. One Crown Royal small bottle is exactly the right amount for a recipe.
- Keep one in your travel kit. Not for the plane—TSA has rules—but for the hotel room. Hotel minibars are a scam. Bringing your own 200ml ensures you have a nightcap that doesn't cost $25.
Honestly, the "nip" culture is changing. It's less about "secret drinking" and more about curation. People want to drink better, but they want to drink less. The portion control built into a small bottle is actually a pretty healthy way to enjoy spirits. You know exactly how much you've had. One 50ml bottle is one drink. Simple.
Identifying Real Crown Royal Small Bottles
Be careful where you shop. While counterfeiting isn't a huge issue for standard Crown Royal (it’s more common in the high-end Bourbon world like Pappy Van Winkle), there are "knock-off" Canadian blends that mimic the packaging.
Look for the "CR" monogram embossed on the glass. Look for the tax stamp or the specific gold-ink printing on the label. A genuine Crown Royal small bottle will have a clear, crisp label. If the printing looks blurry or the gold looks like dull yellow paint, put it back.
Also, check the cap. Crown Royal uses a specific gold-toned plastic cap with a fine ribbing. It should be tight and the break-away ring should be intact.
Pricing Reality Check
What should you pay?
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Prices vary by state because of liquor laws. In a "control state" (like Virginia or Pennsylvania), the price is set by the government. In an "open state" (like California or Florida), it’s the Wild West.
Generally:
- 50ml: $2.50 to $4.00
- 200ml: $8.00 to $11.00
- 375ml: $14.00 to $18.00
If you see a 50ml for $7.00, you’re in a tourist trap. Walk away.
The Actionable Way to Use Small Bottles Today
Stop looking at the Crown Royal small bottle as a cheap convenience. Start looking at it as a tasting tool.
Go to the store this afternoon. Pick up one 50ml of the Black (90 proof, more robust), one 50ml of the standard Fine De Luxe, and one 50ml of the Rye. Total cost? Maybe ten bucks.
Go home. Pour them into three separate glasses. Add a drop of water to each. This is how you actually learn what you like. You’ll find that the Black has a much heavier charred oak flavor. You'll find the standard is way creamier. You'll realize the Rye has a "bite" at the back of the throat that works better in a Manhattan than a neat pour.
This is "high-end" tasting on a "low-end" budget.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll know exactly which full-sized bottle is worth your $35. No more guessing. No more half-full bottles of stuff you don't like taking up space in your cabinet.
Next Steps:
- Check the ABV: Not all small bottles are created equal. The flavored versions (Apple, Peach) are usually 70 proof (35% ABV), while the standard is 80 proof (40% ABV). The "Black" version is 90 proof. Read the tiny print.
- Storage: If you buy a glass 375ml, keep it out of direct sunlight. Even though it's a small amount, UV rays are the enemy of whisky.
- Recycle: Once that 50ml is empty, it makes a great travel container for mouthwash or olive oil for camping. The seal on those caps is surprisingly airtight.
The small bottle isn't just a mini version of a big product. It’s a different way to experience a brand that’s been around for nearly a century. Use it for the convenience, keep it for the quality, and stop worrying about what the guy at the register thinks when you buy three "nips" on a Tuesday. You’re just a collector of small things. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.