In honor of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's royal tour of Canada, Samuel Bronfman of Seagram's Ltd. introduced Crown Royal in 1939. Originally named Seagram's Crown Royal, this award-winning Canadian whisky is renowned for its smooth finish and distinct flavor. Even after being acquired by Diageo in 2000, Crown Royal continues to be produced exclusively at the company's Gimli Manitoba distillery. Initially available only in Canada, the brand expanded to the global market in 1964, and has since become the best-selling Canadian whisky worldwide. The whiskey's unique blend of Canadian-grown ingredients and column distillation process (usually reserved for vodka) has contributed to its legacy of exceptional flavor and reputation, in keeping with its regal origins.