CLASSIFICATION: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
COMPANY: Suntory Global Spirits.
DISTILLERY: Maker’s Mark Distillery.
ABV: 55.75% (111.5 proof).
BATCH: 16-02.
AGE: NAS (No Age Statement, though various publications suggest that each barrel is aged for at least six years).
MASH BILL: 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley.
COLOR: Deep caramel.
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Cigar, Malt & Pipe
The current version of Maker’s Mark is the result of a 1953 reinvention of a family recipe over 170 years old by Bill Samuels Sr. and his wife Margie. However, the Cask Strength being reviewed was only released to the market in 2014, as the product had previously only been sold at the distillery.
That same year, Margie Samuels became the first woman to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, which celebrates the careers of those who have significantly influenced the development of the industry.
This bourbon, one of the few to use the word “Whisky” on its label –in contrast to the classic “Whiskey” spelling– is notable for its seal featuring three symbols: a star, in reference to its property at Star Hill Farms in Loretto, Kentucky, USA; the letter “S,” for the Samuels surname; and the Roman numeral IV, highlighting Bill Samuels Sr. as the fourth generation of master distillers. Bill’s grandson currently holds that position and represents the sixth generation of his family in the business.
NOSE: Presents notes of apricot and spearmint, a light presence of clove, and a lot of vanilla. This is most likely attributable to the high level of charring and toasting of the new American oak barrels in which it ages, and to the fact that it’s bottled at barrel proof without being diluted with water.
PALATE: Notes of caramel and chocolate create a distinct sweetness that overrides a light, ever-present smokiness. It’s surprising that despite its high proof, it lacks any harshness on the palate, delivering an impression of smoothness that could easily be mistaken for a lack of structure or thinness.
FINISH: A long, complex finish with notes of Port wine, leather, pepper, and wood. It has a great balance between sweet, savory, and mineral notes, as well as a remarkable equilibrium between a dense body and an oily texture.
COMMENTS: Deceptively easy to drink, this is a bottle that, if it could be frequently restocked, would surely become a daily sipper. Furthermore, the depth of its color and the complexity of its aromas lead to long moments with the glass in hand, allowing you to enjoy everything it has to offer the senses before you even take a sip.
Photography: Gilsane García Morais
