McLaughlin Distillery Devil's Juice #5 Whiskey Review.

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     McLaughlin Distillery Devil's Juice #5 Whiskey Review.



    Every once in a while, a bottle comes along that just dares you to try it. McLaughlin Distillery's Devil’s Juice #5 is exactly that kind of whiskey. Hailing from Pennsylvania, this craft distillery has been on my radar for some time, largely because of how boldly unique this expression sounded. With a name like Devil’s Juice it doesn’t exactly whisper “approachable.” 

    McLaughlin takes things a different direction with taking their whiskey aging it in used bourbon barrels and packing them with toasted hickory wood. Even McLaughlin themselves describe it as “not for the faint of heart,” and strongly suggest a tasting before committing to a bottle. Now personally, I love smoky, oily, and unique and this checkmarks each box easily.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/EA2ZUYeByUg

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 60% (Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

Finishing: Toasted hickory wood chips.

Appearance: Dark red.


On the nose:
    The aroma immediately transports you to a smoky barbecue pit. Waves of hickory smoke, charred wood, and earthy richness dominate, akin to opening the lid of a smoker loaded with ribs or standing by a bonfire on a crisp fall evening. Beneath the smoky layers, there’s a subtle sweetness that brings to mind barbecue sauce and toasted caramel, but make no mistake—the smoke steals the show.


Taste:
    This is where the intensity ramps up. The first sip delivers a bold, oily wave of smoke and char, reminiscent of brisket bark straight off a smoker. The flavors cling to your palate, building with each movement of your tongue. There’s an undeniable bitterness here, likely a byproduct of the hickory chips or the youth of the spirit, but it adds to the rugged charm of the experience. Sweetness peeks through now and then, offering brief relief from the onslaught of smoke and earthiness.


Finish:
    The finish is long, lingering, and unrelenting in its smoky dominance. It’s as if you’ve taken a deep inhale of burning leaves or smoldering wood chips, with a touch of charred bitterness trailing off into the background.


Final Thoughts: 
    Mclaughlin Distillery set out to create an unapologetically bold whiskey, and they’ve succeeded. This isn’t a whiskey trying to appeal to the masses. It’s an adventurous, craft-forward expression designed to challenge and intrigue. The smoky, hickory-driven profile is unique and expertly delivered, making it a standout for those who enjoy experimental whiskies. I’d recommend trying it before committing to a full bottle if possible, as its polarizing nature isn’t for everyone. However, for those who appreciate the art of experimentation in whiskey-making, this bottle deserves a place on your shelf.


Rating: Concept Execution: B+ (Great) & General Enjoyment: C- (Slightly below average).

Cost: $81.00 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/EA2ZUYeByUg

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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