Hannah’s Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Review
Original Review written on September 8, 2019
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
More of a premium bourbon than the general Maker’s Mark, this one does not disappoint for the dark fruit lover, like myself. A regular in the household for its warmth and reliability to bring a smile to my face. Read my full Maker’s Maker Cask Strength Review here! 92/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Loretto, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Cask Strength
– Age: 5-7 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=75%; Soft red winter wheat=16%; Malted barley=14%
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 55.25% (110 proof)*
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho
*Varies by bottle
Visit makersmark.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
This bourbon is here to make a statement. Not around to pull punches, this bourbon is the one to sip with the big boy bourbons who THINK they know their stuff. Though not as glamorous as my other settings for bourbons, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength could easily fit in, in a board room fully of supposed sophisticated men and is there to show who’s REALLY the boss.
Photo by Benjamin Child on Unsplash
NOSE:
Fresh, dark fruit – particularly cherries mixed with a biting caramel and fresh-from-the-mill oak. Can definitely smell the alcohol. Even though there’s darkness in these flavors, there is still a lifting brightness surprisingly that’s definitely pleasant.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: A rich and full body that has some bite.
– Balance: The rich mouth feel lends to a beautifully complex and blended balance.
– Visual: Mahogany colored with minimal legs but has some clinging, fat droplets in an upside-down crown formation.
– Taste: The dark fruit sticks around from the nose and is couple with a pinch of allspice to keep things interesting. These bolder flavors eventually give way to a stone fruit dusted with brown sugar that simply leaves one primed for the next sip.
With a Kentucky chew, there arises a bitterness that perches at the tip of the tongue that is reminiscent of leather, walnuts, and a subtle almond. With all of these flavors, there remains an undercurrent of caramel that is one second away from being burned. But man, what a great springboard for the other flavors…
I absolutely love the depth of it all. That being said, I do wish that there was a touch more oakiness to the taste.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Finishes as full and as long as it started, but there is a bitterness there waiting.
– No More: Left with a warm and full sensation with vanilla suddenly a key player begging to be hear.
Empty Glencairn smells like spicy oak. Definitely leaves you with an “I came. I saw. I conquered” kind of impression.
WORTH THE PRICE?
Yes
RATING: 92/100
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To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.
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