The latest release from Maker’s Mark’s ongoing Wood Finishing Series, this bottle is dedicated to the distillery’s warehouse team. Bottled at 109.2 proof (54.6% ABV) cask strength, it uses Maker’s normal mash bill of 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. It is aged for 6-7 years and then one batch is stave finished for 5 weeks and a second batch for 9 weeks using 10 virgin toasted American White Oak staves.
This tasting notes review is based on multiple separate notes-taking sessions over 6 months using Glencairn and Denver & Liely Bourbon glasses with varying resting/aeration times in the glass.
COLOR: Dark amber/copper
AROMA PROFILE: Toasted oak/barrel & creme brûlée (caramel, caramelized sugar, & vanilla), sweet tobacco leaf, dried red fruits in the background (which become more prominent the longer it aerates in the uncovered glass).
PALATE: Exactly the same as the aromas — Toasted oak/barrel & creme brûlée (caramel, caramelized sugar, & vanilla), sweet tobacco leaf, deep baking spices & black pepper, dried red fruits in the background that become more & more prominent the longer it aerates in the uncovered glass, with a prominent hit of oak tannin bitterness on the finish that evolves fairly quickly into a sweet but also drying creaminess. The toasted oak/barrel & creme brûlée notes lead & are very prominent throughout. These two flavor notes are the stars of the sip with the oak being the most dominant.
FINISH: 8-9 seconds
MOUTHFEEL: Incredibly viscous in the glass with a fantastic mouthfeel
VALUE: Very enjoyable limited release at a good MSRP
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes – I have a reserve bottle.
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