Whiskey Review: Coors Whiskey Co. Five Trail Blended American Whiskey 2022

I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Coors Whiskey Co. Five Trail Blended American Whiskey 2022. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, Mash bill: two-row barley malt and undi and priced at $59.99/ 750ml bottle, it promises genuine character.

Nose

A blend of one Colorado single malt and three straight bourbons. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, Mash bill: two-row barley malt and undisclosed other grains, SRP $59.99/ 750ml bottle. This initially offers up a warming sensation on the nose I attribute to the alcohol content that mutes the intensity of the aromatics. There are notes of fresh pastries, red apples, and roses. It builds into a strong, smoky note like a freshly extinguished candle. There’s a nice blend of citrus and spice like clove-studded dried oranges. The grain side offers up notes of cherry pie, raw yeast, and warm wheat bread. Aromatically, this is satisfying, if not mind-blowing. As someone who works part time with an organization that emphasizes reducing water use in the wine industry, I’m curious as to the environmental impact of trucking Rocky Mountain water to Kentucky. Which also makes me curious about the point of this endeavor as a whole.rnrnWill they take the step many beers brewers take and begin distilling and aging their own whiskey? Is Coors eventually planning on increasing the amount of Colorado single malt in the blend (we are only two releases in, and the second release saw the amount almost halved)? Or is this the end goal? If so, it’s not disappointing, but it’s also not thrilling. And for $60, I’d rather be thrilled.

Palate

Pale mahogany with golden undertone. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Finish

Here’s that warm candle wax note again that opens into lush vanilla and cola spices. There’s a strong yeasty note that I find a little unpleasant in its intensity. The body is moderate viscosity and a hint of grippy tannins. The finish is mildly peppery and bitter, with notes of dried vanilla pods and cherries. It’s mild enough without any sharp elbows to be a component or star of a cocktail and was excellent in eggnog. It is, true to its Coors Banquet roots, decidedly inoffensive.

The Bottom Line

Coors Whiskey Co. Five Trail Blended American Whiskey 2022 is fine — not bad, not great, just fine. At $59.99/ 750ml bottle, I think there are better options in this range if you are willing to look around.