Hannah’s Maker’s Mark Review
Original review written on December 21, 2019
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
A brilliant introduction to bourbon. Maker’s is a must. While not my favorite at around this price point, this spirit is enjoyable from start to finish. Great Value! Read my Maker’s Mark Review here! 86/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Loretto, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Wheated
– Age: undisclosed
– Mash Bill: Corn=70%; Soft Red Winter Wheat=16%; Malted Barley=14%
– Casks: undisclosed char; likely #3 similar to other Maker’s products
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 45% (90 proof)
– Price: $24.95 USD in Idaho
Visit makersmark.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
I imagine revisiting the distant Denver Botanical Gardens, standing in the warm and humid greenhouse in the birth of springtime, where colors are vibrant for the future and skies beyond the glass dome ceiling are an unburdened and new crystal blue.
Photo taken by Hannah Dawson at Denver Botanical Gardens
NOSE:
Even chilled from sitting outside in the cold, winter bunker, sweet molten caramel erupts from the glass. As it continues to warm, vanilla and a cream cheese frosting come forth. The grain most forward, I would say is that winter wheat, but the malt from the barley adds another depth. Little spice is there, maybe hinting at cinnamon or perhaps nutmeg. Fig and a hint of cherry and orange blossom lift the flavor to a level not-quite bright/fresh, keeping the nose deep and rich, even down to the oak which just lingers.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Soft, maybe a touch watery. Wish it had an oily-er feel to be honest.
– Balance: For being $25, the blend/balance cannot be faulted.
– Visual: Russetmuscat in color, there is a fragmented crown, with thin legs running down the glass.
– Taste: Upon first sip, I’m met with a dusty corn, maybe even the essence of the hunks themselves. The wheat from the nose is still there, ripe and ready for harvest. The caramel does kick in, but it is much more subdued. Along with the classic Maker’s bourbon warmth, I find the fig again – maybe being more raisin-ey though – and the cherry too.
The spice remains the same as the nose, with a heavier hand on the nutmeg. The vanilla is light, mixing with a pastry element, not unlike pie crust but not the graham cracker variety. There also seems to be a peanut component, blending with a sweet, but subtle oak.
A Kentucky chew brings the grassy, corn husks forward to mingle with the cherry. This is also where I find the most barrel char as well. Floral notes are there, but they are indistinguishable. Quite good with not a lot of burn.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Medium. It’s an appropriate finish for the price point, but I can’t help but wish it was longer.
– Between sips: Raisins and oak dominate the spaces between sips with caramel and cherry trying to sneak in unsuccessfully. But they try.
– No More: Cherries continue to grow in the glass as I go, decidedly maraschino. Mmm … Caramel and oak are welcome additions, leaving me with a pleased impression of standard Maker’s, though not my favorite of the distillery.
The empty Glencairn is a beautiful oak, full and rich. This is a glass that could be turned into a candle.
WORTH THE PRICE?
Absolutely! Keep it around for those who are new to whiskey/bourbon and are looking for an adventure.
RATING: 86/100
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To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.
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