Exclusive Tasting: Mash & Mallow Whiskey

As a kid, summer nights in New England were all about one thing: s'mores. The sticky, melted marshmallow enrobed in smoke, the rich Hershey bar softening just so, and the satisfying crunch of graham cracker all came together to create the perfect campfire treat. Those flavors are so deeply ingrained in my memory that I never thought I’d experience them outside of a tent or a backyard fire pit. But then, I first saw it on Instagram, from @thirstywhale. My interest was immediately piqued. I live right on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, and while that can sometimes be a great location for finding new and interesting spirits, getting my hands on this particular bottle proved to be a bit of a challenge at first.

This isn't your average flavored whiskey. While many infused spirits can taste artificial or overly sweet, Mash & Mallow's S'mores Whiskey is an entirely different experience. It's a nostalgic journey in a bottle, a spirit that manages to capture the essence of those childhood campfires without sacrificing the integrity of the whiskey itself. I was lucky enough to finally get my hands on a bottle for an exclusive tasting, and let me tell you, it's everything I hoped it would be and more.

First Impressions: The Bottle and the Pour

The bottle itself is sleek and understated, letting the vibrant, golden amber liquid inside speak for itself—it’s the color of a campfire’s warm glow. The moment I twisted off the cap, a wave of aromas hit me, and I was instantly transported back to those cool New England evenings.

The first thing that hit me was the aroma, a beautiful bouquet that was both decadent and inviting. Decadent hints of chocolate and cocoa filled the air, mingling with the sweet smell of toasted marshmallow and graham cracker. As I continued to nose the glass, notes of vanilla and sweet caramel added to the inviting bouquet, and a subtle smoky aroma, like a campfire, was also present. It was a true sensory delight before the first drop even touched my lips.

The Tasting: A Journey on the Palate

And then came the moment of truth. I took my first sip neat, wanting to experience the full, unadulterated flavor profile of this unique spirit. The initial taste was a beautiful surprise. It wasn't the cloying sweetness I'd braced myself for; in fact, I’d rate it a mere 8 out of 10 on the cloying scale. Instead, a creamy, smooth profile with a distinct toasted marshmallow flavor washed over my palate, accompanied by notes of graham cracker and rich caramel.

Despite its sweet flavors, the whiskey retained its strong character and warmth, a testament to the distiller's craft. As I continued to sip, I also detected notes of brown sugar and maple syrup, making the experience even more complex. The s'mores flavor, while front and center, was nuanced; it came across less like a campfire treat and more like some kind of new Girl Scout cookie flavor, stuffed with vanilla and candy-like marshmallow notes. There was even a curious fruitiness, strawberry-adjacent, that slowly dissipated in the glass, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue. Each sip truly felt like a bite of a freshly made s'more.

The finish was long and satisfying. It left a lingering sweetness on the tongue, reminiscent of the last bite of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. Lingering notes of toasted sugar and rich caramel were prominent, and a subtle touch of spice added depth to the overall sweetness, making the farewell both warm and memorable.

The Cocktail Experience: Mixing It Up

While Mash & Mallow is absolutely delicious on its own, I knew I had to see how it would perform in a cocktail. Its versatility is truly impressive, and I found it to be a fantastic foundation for both classic and creative concoctions.

First up, a simple yet elegant S'mores Old Fashioned. I muddled a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters and then stirred in Mash & Mallow. The result was a smoky, complex take on the classic that highlighted the whiskey's best qualities. The sweetness of the marshmallow and graham cracker notes played beautifully against the bitterness, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying drink.

Finally, I decided to go for something a little more fun: a Campfire Espresso Martini. I combined Mash & Mallow with fresh espresso and a hint of coffee liqueur. The rich, roasty notes of the coffee were a perfect match for the sweet, toasted flavors of the whiskey. It was like a cozy, sophisticated dessert in a glass—the perfect nightcap for a chilly evening.

Finally, I couldn't resist trying it in a classic S'mores Sazerac. I added a small amount of absinthe to a chilled glass and swirled to coat the inside, then discarded the rest. In a separate glass, I combined Mash & Mallow, a touch of simple syrup, and a few dashes of Peychaud's bitters. I stirred with ice until well-chilled and strained it into the prepared glass. The result was a sophisticated, complex cocktail with a beautiful herbal note from the absinthe that cut through the sweetness, making the graham cracker and smoky notes of the whiskey shine. It was a unique and bold way to showcase this spirit, which was unexpected

The Verdict: A Must-Try for Any Enthusiast

Mash & Mallow S'mores Whiskey is more than just a novelty; it's a testament to the power of thoughtful infusion and the art of crafting a truly unique spirit. It's a beautiful tribute to a classic American treat, and it does so with a level of sophistication and balance that is rare in the world of flavored whiskeys. It’s perfect for sipping neat on a cool evening, crafting creative cocktails, or even just sharing with friends around a fire pit.

As someone who loves exploring unique spirits, this bottle has earned a permanent spot on my bar cart. It’s a versatile, delicious, and deeply nostalgic spirit that I can’t wait to experiment with even more.

So, tell me, what are your thoughts? Have you tried Mash & Mallow S'mores Whiskey? What cocktails would you create with it? Share your ideas in the comments below! I'd love to hear how you'd use this amazing spirit.