Five Trail Blended American Whiskey

It's been a bit since I've posted here due to a few things. First, the site's app functionality has become a bit frustrating. The filter meant to show only followed users doesn't work, so I miss posts from people I follow for weeks. This often means I only see a review when someone else likes it, leading me to think, "Oh, that person posted a review of Ardbeg 10! I didn't see it!" It also seems like there are fewer women participating, but that's just how it is. Additionally, intrusive surveys about my collection and whisky habits pop up constantly. While I can manage the current version, it feels less user-friendly than before, much like software updates that don't fix issues but aim for resales. The actual reason for my absence, though, is that a friend visited on August 19th. After finishing five bottles of wine and staying up late, I felt okay the next day, but noticed only three weeks remained until the NFL season opener. I decided my liver needed a break, so I went without alcohol for that period. It wasn't extremely difficult, but it wasn't effortless either. Some days were easy, but I mixed cocktails for my wife, which felt like a compromise, similar to watching others have fun instead of participating. I stuck with it to prove I could abstain, but some evenings made me question the purpose. However, I'm back now! I hosted my brother-in-law on Sunday to watch the Eagles' first win and we did a tasting: Method & Madness Single Pot Still, Glenmorangie La Santa 12, Sagamore Spirit Ale Finished Rye, Ardbeg Corryvreckan, and Laphraoig 10. It was a great night, though I missed my dad who was home recovering from COVID with my mom. They had received boosters just prior, so while not ideal, they weren't in serious danger, which was a relief, especially given my mom's past cancer battle. I'm not reviewing those whiskies today, but I plan to in the future. Today's review is of a bottle that was nearly empty before my dry spell: Five Trail Blended American whisky from Coors! While I believe cost is important in evaluating spirits, this bottle was a gift from a friend working at Coors, who are entering the whisky market as beer sales decline. They wanted my opinion. So, while I didn't pay for it, I'll discuss its value. The whisky itself is pleasant. It's a blend of 6-year-old Colorado single malt, 4-year-old Kentucky four-grain bourbon, 4-year-old Indiana wheated bourbon, and 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon – a decent mix. The aroma is waxy and sweet, with prominent vanilla and sweet corn, plus hints of honey and caramel. The taste remains sweet, with moderate oak alongside the caramel and vanilla. The finish is medium length, ending with a touch of pepper spice. If it were priced at $35, I'd consider it for mixing and occasional neat pours. However, at $55, it's likely not worth the cost. When discussing this with my friend at Coors, I questioned the target market. For the same or less money, knowledgeable drinkers can find Maker's Mark Cask Strength or 46, several Old Forester Whisky Row expressions like the 1920, and numerous small batch options such as Larceny, Elijah Craig, Jefferson's, and 1792. So, what makes this bottle compelling? What sets it apart? Is Coors relying on brand loyalty from their beer consumers to spend $55 on their new whisky? My friend, not being in the whisky division, couldn't answer, but he understood my point. I hope Coors refines their strategy because the flavor profile isn't bad as a starting point, it just doesn't align with the price. So, while I appreciate the gift and recognize I didn't pay for it, I wouldn't purchase this myself. Coors recently acquired Blue Run, and my friend sent me a bottle of their high rye bourbon. I'll share my thoughts on that after I've discussed it with him first, especially since it retails for around $100. Ultimately, the Five Trail is decent, earning the same score as Old Tub Bottled-in-Bond, which costs about $17.99 on sale in my area. Frankly, I prefer the Old Tub. Coors should reconsider: either reduce the price or develop a more distinctive or impressive flavor profile.

[11.12.22] Received a complimentary sample tonight at Liquor Barn following the stock show. Honestly, it's adequate, and I appreciated learning about the use of pure Colorado water. If that's your aim, it's likely superior to Tin Cup. Clean, sharp, with no sting despite the high alcohol content. It's fine. However, it's not good enough to justify the $55 price tag.

Smells like sweet licorice. The palate is sweet with honey and some maple syrup, plus raisin and fig. Graham cracker appears mid-palate, leading to a Skittles-like finish, a full spectrum of flavors.

Appealing scent with notes of caramel and butterscotch. The taste is intricate, featuring butterscotch and caramel. It feels smooth on the palate. The ending is a bit rough and spicy.

Smooth and slightly sweet initially, with a mild spice that persists. A decent sipper when served on the rocks.

Delicious, with pleasant caramel and chocolate notes. Surprisingly good for a specialty whiskey, it's smooth and doesn't burn.