Crown, and most other blended canadian whiskeys, are generally very smooth. Bourbons and Scotches will usually have a bit 'stronger' flavor. Like Mike said, peated scotches can be downright brutal if you're not a big scotch drinker. Most of the single malt scotches usually have a strong flavor where many blended scotches (Pinch comes mind) take some of the edge off. Myself, I like wheated bourbons, just the right amount of boubon bite with a smoothness you can sip for hours
Just my .02..