“Winter Spice” is a Virginia ABC single barrel pick with Maker’s Mark’s Private Selection, a program that allows clients to mix-and-match a total of 10 oak staves from 5 types, both American White and French Oak. Bottled at 111.5 proof (55.75% ABV), Winter Spice was finished for 9 weeks with 1 Baked American Pure, 1 Seared French Cuvée, 3 Maker’s Mark 46 (seared) French Oak, 3 Roasted French Mendiant, & 2 Toasted French Spice oak staves.
Baked American Pure 2 staves are slowly toasted. Seared French Cuvée staves are ridge-cut & seared with infrared heat. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oak staves are seared. Roasted French Mendiant staves are cooked on low heat in a convection oven. Toasted French Spice staves are toasted at high heat first and are then cooked on low heat in a convection oven.
COLOR: Dark amber
NOSE: A beautiful aroma profile – Mix of dark & creamy milk chocolates, caramel & butterscotch, juicy red fruits, dried dark red fruits (cherries & cranberries), deep baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, & cloves), honey & molasses, toasted oak, dark vanilla, citrus peel, & coffee crème brûlée.
PALATE: Gorgeous flavor profile – The flavors led by creamy dark chocolate with a hint of milk chocolate, baking spices, toasted oak & some oak tannins, robust black pepper, dried dark red fruits (cherries, cranberries, black currants), citrus (orange) peel, & mint.
FINISH: Long (8-10 seconds)
MOUTHFEEL: Creamy & viscous, almost custard like
VALUE: Fantastic single barrel pick.
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? I have reserve bottles.
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One response to “SHORT REVIEW: Maker’s Mark Private Selection – VA ABC Barrel Select, “Winter Spice””
[…] past the charred/burnt wood flavor that was so dominate for me early on in my bourbon exploration, this is the bottle that was a revelation to me about how multifaceted a bourbon can be in terms of its aroma and flavor profiles. Winter […]
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