Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Five-Malt Stouted Mash

Now, a moment of quiet reflection: this is the final pour from a bottle that has been a personal favorite since its 2021 release. Previously, I wasn't drawn to Woodford Reserve until their Master's Collection began appearing. The 2019 Batch Proof 123.2, a previous favorite I unfortunately didn't get to formally review, was excellent. This Five-Stouted Mash offers another favorite, though for distinctly different reasons. Woodford calls the color "antique orange," which on the Pantone scale is approximately 159. The aroma is remarkable; tasted without prior knowledge, one might initially guess it's a Russian Imperial Stout, aligning with the master distiller's stated goal. The nose presents mocha, Mexican mole, dark chocolate and orange, dried Ancho chilies, and vanilla. It has a rich, thick texture on the palate, with cocoa powder and a subtle chile spice, concluding with café Cubano, dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some vanilla. As mentioned in past reviews, my initial impression of the Five-Malt-Stouted Mash was that it would be divisive, eliciting strong positive or negative reactions. A very small group of two (myself and an acquaintance) confirmed this; I was enthusiastic, while they disliked it. This outcome was fortunate, as it meant I wouldn't have to share more of it. This is a whiskey that demands a try; it genuinely provides a uniquely indulgent and mentally engaging whiskey journey. As exceptional as this is, I can envision it being even superior at a higher proof. I'm sad to finish this. In fact, I'm weeping uncontrollably. Online searches indicate it's available for about $140. Would I repurchase it? Absolutely. Without question. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

As previously stated in my 5/19/22 assessment, this is a whiskey that sparks strong opinions, either love or hate. One of my closest bourbon companions falls into the latter category, while I am unequivocally in the former. One of the fundamental principles of tasting, whether wine or spirits, is to recognize typicity: a spirit's identity stems partly from its commonalities with others of its kind, as well as its divergences. Bourbon ought to taste like bourbon. However, this is not bourbon. It's an indulgent, showy, unconventional spirit. On the scale of uniqueness, this one is far out on the extremes. Many similarities exist with my prior evaluation; its description as the offspring of a frozen Mudslide cocktail and a Russian Imperial Stout is fitting. Yet, there's also a certain 70s-era ambrosia-like fruitiness, with maraschino cherry, shredded coconut, a hint of tangerine, and preserved pineapple. Espresso notes are present. And some refreshing spearmint. This is a spirit that could fuel conversation for an entire evening. More of the same on the palate. A significant amount of lingering Swiss Miss instant cocoa on the lengthy finish (and I mean that as a high compliment). I could enjoy this continuously. This is one of those spirits that you must experience if the opportunity arises. Beyond the whiskey itself, you've never encountered, nor will you ever encounter, anything quite like it. A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

This whiskey is polarizing – you'll either love it or hate it. I unequivocally fall into the "love it" category. The distillers aimed for a stout-like flavor profile, and they achieved it. The bold aroma is a blend of Russian Imperial Stout and Mudslide, featuring mocha and chocolate with a subtle hint of spearmint. The palate coats the mouth, starting with dark chocolate and espresso, then transitioning to what I positively perceive as a pre-bottled Starbucks vanilla latte. The finish is very lengthy. Despite its moderate 90.4% proof, it possesses enough strength to complement the intense aromas and flavors. It's unlike any whiskey you've encountered before; nothing traditional here. I'm a big admirer of Woodford's Master's Collection Series, having obtained a bottle of the March 2018 release (125.8 proof). I found this Five Malt Stouted Mash at a local store for $149 and purchased it immediately. If another bottle were available, I would buy it.

This is a truly fascinating spirit. It begins with some very odd aromas on the nose. It's reminiscent of smelling fresh wheat in a grain silo... but also mixed with paint thinner. Fortunately, the palate doesn't present paint thinner; instead, it's akin to a very high proof beer. Abundant earthy grain notes are present, complemented by a developing rye spearmint spice that rounds it out. It has a rather long finish with that rye spice lingering on your lips. Final judgment: I'm not impressed. I certainly regret spending $134 on this, as that same amount would have bought me another bottle of little book chapter 5. I believe the distiller missed the mark with this one.

It's undeniable that this is made from dark roasted malts. Flavors of dark chocolate, toasted pumpernickel, black coffee, blackstrap molasses, and a slight hint of cinnamon and anise. It's brooding and certainly smells of dark malts. Tastes exactly like drinking a vanilla latte. The palate is full of Cocoa Puffs cereal, dark chocolate, Tootsie Rolls, and brownies. It has a full body and is smooth, but the low proof seems to excessively restrain the finish. However, the flavors are very seamless, and although it tastes unlike most other spirits I've tried, I quite enjoyed it.

I enjoy beer I enjoy spirits I love the concept The aroma is a bit unusual for me, not typical for spirits It's challenging to discern each of the 5 malt types used individually, as this spirit began as "distiller's beer" as indicated by its name Nothing unpleasant on the palate or finish...but nothing stands out either Very easy to drink but doesn't meet my essential criteria So, I wouldn't buy a bottle for myself, but if you've never tried this and see it at a bar or a friend offers a taste, check it out for yourself