J.B. Smoove Stars in “Crown Royal Regal Apple: The Musical”

Canadian whisky crowns multitalented entertainer as the “King of Flavor” to further accelerate flavored whiskies.

Crown Royal, one of America’s best-selling and most-loved whiskies, has re-enlisted the creative brilliance of actor and comedian J.B. Smoove to help fuel its flavored whisky collection, which includes Crown Royal Regal Apple Flavored Whiskey and Crown Royal Vanilla Flavored Whiskey. As a leader within the nearly 10 million case flavored whisky category that grew 8% last year, Crown Royal looks to celebrate the fun-loving side and irresistibly delicious side of whisky with a spirited campaign, titled “Crown Royal Regal Apple: The Musical.”

The latest work between J.B. and Crown Royal premiered last week and it’s a complete showstopper. In a true creative collaboration, J.B. and his crew teamed up with director Greg Brunkalla, Anomaly New York and Storefront Music to create a pulsating original track “It’s Apple Time, Baby,” and a series of short films, which also include an exuberant dance number choreographed by Fatima Robinson. The main film features J.B. strutting through a lavish nightclub, as patrons jump into his dance and join his crew for Crown Royal Regal Apple shots—all while not missing a beat. The integrated marketing plan consists of TV, social media, public relations and bar events rolling out nationwide this October, 2017, and continuing throughout 2018.

“From the day I took the name ‘Smoove’ I knew it was my destiny to one day be crowned the first official ‘King of Flavor!’ Now while Crown Royal Vanilla has been near and dear to me for a while I knew I had to find the savory ying to that sweet Vanilla yang! Then along came Crown Royal Regal Apple! Woo, like peanut butter and jelly, like Bonnie and Clyde, better yet like a leopard and a tiger! See on the one hand a leopard and a tiger are a lot alike, they’re majestic, regal and powerful … but on the other hand very different! One of them has spots and the other has stripes! And that gives you a choice! Smoove and sweet like Crown Royal Vanilla? Or savory and sexy like Crown Royal Regal Apple? Either way, just like a leopard and a tiger make sure you enjoy them responsibly cause trust me they do bite!”
– Actor/Comedian J.B. Smoove

To commemorate J.B.’s starring role and new-found crooner skills, Crown Royal crowned him as its “King of Flavor” during an uproarious coronation in New York hosted by comedian Chris DiStefano. This is not the first foray for Crown Royal and the newly anointed King. Over the last year, J.B. brought out the true meaning of “Vanilla So Good,” to launch Crown Royal Vanilla, as well as appeared in a series of hilarious recipe videos—including a now-viral video created with the foodies at Tasty on making the comedian’s signature Spiked Banana Pudding “Smoovie.” The delectable how-to video brings together the deliciousness of Vanilla, along with a side of life advice that only J.B. can deliver.

“Flavored whiskies are on fire, and J.B. adds a fresh energy to our already irresistible and great tasting products. Working with a talented entertainer like J.B. who genuinely loves your brand makes things easy and more fun for the people looking for a new whiskey to enjoy responsibly. His talent, charisma, and to be completely honest, dance moves, took the work to a whole new level. It’s only fitting that we recognize him—one of the true kings of comedy, and a dear friend of the Crown, as our King of Flavor.”
– Jim Ruane, brand director for Crown Royal

As part of his King duties, J.B. will carry the banner for Crown Royal’s award-winning flavored whiskies through events, media appearances and video content reinforcing the tempting irresistibility of Crown Royal Regal Apple, the smooth deliciousness of Crown Royal Vanilla—and further support the brand’s commitment to remind consumers to drink responsibly.

Try some of these cocktails using Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Vanilla:

The Big Apple

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Crown Royal Regal Apple
• 3/4 oz. Ginger Ale
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• Garnish with Lemon Wedge

Preparation: Combine Crown Royal Regal Apple, ginger ale and fresh lemon juice into a shaker with ice. Pour into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

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The Green Flag

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Crown Royal Regal Apple
• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
• 2 oz. Ginger Beer

Preparation: Build all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Stir and pour into a collins glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

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Vanilla Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Crown Royal Vanilla
• 1/4 oz. Simply Syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
• Orange Peel Twist

Preparation: In old-fashioned glass, combine simple syrup and bitters. Fill glass halfway with ice, then stir. Add enough ice to fill glass. Squeeze orange peel over glass to extract oils, add peel to glass and add whiskey. Stir just until drink is cold and serve.

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Crown Vanilla and Hella Cola

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Crown Royal Vanilla
• 1 oz. Hella Cola Cocktail Syrup
• 3 1/2 oz. Club Soda
• Whole Madagascar Vanilla Bean
• Wedge of Lime, Optional

Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice; add Crown Royal Vanilla, Hella Cola Cocktail Syrup and Club Soda. Using vanilla bean as a stirrer, gently stir drink for several seconds and leave vanilla bean in with straw. Drop in lime wedge without squeezing (optional).