Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Five-Malt Stouted Mash

And now, a moment of silence: tonight is the end of the line for this bottle, which has been a favorite of mine since I first bought it shortly after it was released in 2021. I had never been a fan of Woodford Reserve until they began releasing their Master’s Collection series. The Batch Proof 123.2, released in 2019 and which unfortunately I was never able to properly review, was a favorite. This Five-Stouted Mash is another favorite, albeit for completely different reasons. Woodford describes the color as “antique orange,” which on the Pantone spectrum is about 159. The nose is amazing: tasted blind, one might initially believe this to be a Russian Imperial Stout—consistent with the stated intent of the master distiller. The nose shows mocha, Mexican mole, dark chocolate orange wedges, dried Ancho chiles, and vanilla. Rich, viscous mouthfeel, with cocoa powder and a light chile spice, before finishing with café Cubano, dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some vanilla. As I’ve noted in previous reviews, when I first tried the Five-Malt-Stouted Mash, I thought it would be a polarizing, love-it-or-hate-it whiskey. A not-statistically-significant sample size of two (myself and my good friend @ataylor156) confirmed this; I loved it, and he hated it. Which turned out to be a blessing, because it meant that I didn’t have to share any more with him. This is one of those whiskies that simply must be tried; it truly offers a uniquely hedonistic and intellectually satisfying whiskey experience. As incredible as this is, however, I can imagine it would be even better at a higher proof. I’m sad to see this one go. Actually, sobbing uncontrollably. An Internet search shows that this can be found for around $140. Would I buy this again? Yes. Unequivocally. 4.5 on the Distiller scale. 90.4 proof.

As I said previously on my 5/19/22 note, this is a polarizing, love-it-or-hate-it whiskey. One of my best bourbon-drinking friends is in the latter camp, while I'm unabashedly in the former. One of the first rules of tasting, whether wine or whisk(e)y, is to ascertain typicity: something is what it is in part because of the similarities it shares with others of its clan, as well as its differences with others. Bourbon should taste like bourbon. But bourbon this ain't. This is hedonistic, ostentatious, noncomformist whiskey. On the uniqueness spectrum, this one is way out on the tails of the distribution. A lot of similarities with my previous note: its description as the love child of a frozen Mudslide cocktail and a Russian Imperial Stout is apt. But there's also a certain 70s-style ambrosia-like fruitiness, with maraschino cherry, grated coconut, a little tangerine, and canned pineapple. Espresso. And some cooling spearmint. This is a whiskey that can be discussed over an entire evening. More of the same in the mouth. A lot of lingering Swiss Miss instant cocoa on the long finish (and I mean that in the most complimentary way). I could drink this all day long. This is one of those whiskies that must be tried if you ever get the chance. Aside from the whiskey itself, you've never had, nor will you ever have, anything quite like it. A strong 4.5 on the Distiller scale. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

This is a polarizing, love-it-or-hate-it whiskey. I'm unabashedly in the "love-it" camp. The distillers intended to create a whiskey with the flavor profile of a stout--and they succeeded. The robust nose is the love child of a Russian Imperial Stout and a Mudslide: all mocha and chocolate, with a faint touch of spearmint. Mouthcoating palate begins with dark chocolate and espresso, before morphing into a prepackaged bottle of Starbucks vanilla latte (I say this in a positive way). Very long finish. At a mild 90.4% proof, still packs enough punch to complement the wild aromatics and flavors. Unlike any whiskey you've ever tasted. Nothing traditional here. I am a big fan of Woodford's Master's Collection Series, after receiving a bottle of the 125.8 proof March 2018 release. I found this Five Malt Stouted Mash at my local store for $149 and bought it on sight. If I could find another bottle, I'd buy it.

This is a very interesting whiskey. To start out, it comes at you with some really weird scents on the nose. It's like mix of smelling fresh wheat in a grain bin... but also mixed in with paint thinner. Fortunately on the palate you don't get paint thinner, but what you do get is almost like a really high abv beer. Lots of earthy tones from the grain with a building rye spearmint spice to round it out. It has a decently long finish with that rye spice lingering on your lips. Final verdict: I'm not impressed. I certainly regret paying $134 for this considering the same money would've gotten me another bottle of little book chapter 5. I think distiller missed the mark on this review.

There's no denying this is distilled from dark roasted malts. Dark chocolate, toasted pumpernickel bread, black coffee, blackstrap molasses, and a little hint of cinnamon and anise. Brooding and definitely smells of dark malts. Tastes just like I'm drinking a vanilla late. There's plenty of Cocoa Puffs cereal, dark chocolate, Tootsie Rolls, and brownies on the palate. Full bodied and smooth but the low proof seems to keep the finish in check a bit too much. Very seamless in its flavors though and although it tastes unlike much I've had before, I rather enjoyed it.

I love beer I love whiskey I love the concept The nose throws me a little off as far from typical "whiskey" Hard for me to pickup on each of the 5 malts use individually, as this is whiskey that started as "distillers beer" using 5 malts as name implies Nothing unpleasant on the pallet or on the finish...but also nothing that shines Very drinkable just does not hit my "must haves" So for me I would not personally purchase a bottle, but if you never tried this & see it at a bar or a friend offers a pour check this out for yourself