Hannah’s Maker’s Mark SE4-PR5 Bourbon Review
Original review written October 9, 2021
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
I like that each aspect of this bourbon, whether from the nose, to the palate to the finish has something new to offer. It’s unique, and certainly original. 96/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Loretto, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Wheated Whiskey; Wood Finishing Series
– Age: nas (believed to be about 6 yrs. old)
– Mash Bill: Corn=70%; Soft red winter wheat=16%; Malted Barley=14%
– Casks: unpublished; Staves used consisted of SE4 and PR5 which give notes of caramel and vanilla respectively
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 56.25% (112.5 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho in 2020
Visit makersmark.com for more information on the wood staves used for this bourbon
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
The feel of this bourbon is so unbelievably homey, I can only think of a tire swing while enjoying it. The setting may be simple, but the nostalgia that comes with it, matched with the complexity of this bourbon make for quite the pair. Even if you’re just staring at that familiar tire swing with a smile and nothing else, I think Maker’s SE4-PR5 would go absolutely great with the moment.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
NOSE:
Salted caramel jumps from the glass first, and it is very strong, making me salivate almost instantly. There are a lot of stone fruits present also, from nectarines to plums, as well as dried fruits like currants and chocolate covered raisins. There are even some apple blossoms and straight up apples that work to brighten up the glass. The salted caramel is particularly dominant; however, there are other sweet flavors like maple candies and brown sugar too. Subtle allspice (maybe a bit heavier on the cinnamon side) backs up these sweeter flavors quite well, and a new oak finish pulls them all together. The alcohol is mild, but on deep inhales, you can certainly find it.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: This has a creamier mouth feel, but at the same time feels almost frothy. It’s a bit of a surprise, but it’s still quite interesting, and I find that I like it!
– Balance: Really love this one. Every flavor blends seamlessly into the next with no flavors sticking out like they don’t belong. Just really, really solid.
– Visual: Flame in color, there are plenty of thin, fast-dropping legs, but no crown. Instead, there are many clinging droplets in suspension around the glass.
– Taste: While the front of the palate has a hit of caramel and now a sudden dark vanilla, the end of the sip is decidedly fruity. In fact, it seems to be the apple from the nose, as there is a crisp brightness that lifts each sip. Nevertheless, I can still find raisins for an initial darker tone, along with plums and cherries. Both are mixed with some of the allspice from the nose for another layer of complexity. I still think some of that saltiness from the nose is here too, but I am less inclined to attach it to the caramel on the palate. Instead, it seems to reside in a more nutty toffee element, as there is some extra earthiness to this salty sweetness. The oak is a bit more aged on the palate, but it still functions to meld the flavors together quite well.
Although the alcohol has a bit of a nip to it, it is still mild and makes for a fun textural component. I think it also works to provoke the flavors into actually being bold enough to be recognizable. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the alcohol burn grows in intensity, even after the sip is gone. What is left behind are cherries, almond, vanilla and oak – oh, what a classic combination.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Medium. The warmth isn’t quite as intense as it could be, but it does last for a little while. We’ll call it a happy medium – long enough to be satisfied, short enough that I’m eager for another sip soon.
– Between Sips: I find that the wood is more prevalent in this space between sips. It’s chewy, it’s warm, and it’s even still rich.
– No More: There are more cherries appearing the further I get into the glass, and the overall essence of this bourbon just seems to get richer.
The empty Glencairn is a sweet, and gentle oak. It’s mild, but with a slightly saltiness, I’m tempted already to go pour myself even more. I’m honestly quite impressed with this bourbon, especially after not having been particularly wowed by RC6. I wish I had another bottle of SE4-PR5 ready to enjoy after this current bottle is gone. As such… I suppose I’ll have to hold off on that second pour…
WORTH THE PRICE?
At $60 USD, though this batch is out of stores and no longer to be found, absolutely it was worth that $60. I’m glad we have it, and I’ll do my best to stretch out the inevitable and keep it around for as long as possible.
MAKER’S MARK SE4-PR5 BORUBON REVIEW RATING: 96/100
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