Tag: Makers Mark

Maker’s Mark SE4-PR5 Bourbon Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

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:
Maker's Mark SE4-PR5 Bourbon Review

– 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– Casks: unpublished; Staves used consisted of SE4 and PR5 which give notes of caramel and vanilla respectively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:
Maker's Mark SE4-PR5 Bourbon Review

– 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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Maker’s Mark RC6 Bourbon Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Maker’s Mark RC6 Bourbon Review

Original review written October 5, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Very sweet, and very fruity, this tastes great, and I would definitely share with someone who doesn’t like the heat. I do wish there was more wood or spice for balance, but this is still enjoyable. 85/100

VITALS:
Maker's Mark RC6 Bourbon Review

– 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 char
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 54.1% (108.2 proof)
– Price: $69.95 USD in Idaho (2019)

Visit makersmark.com for more information on the Wood Finishing Series

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:

While this bourbon isn’t exactly floral, I think it’s simplicity would pair well with a field of brightly colored flowers and grass. The earth can ground you in ways that this pour may not be able to, while still working off of the sweetness already present in the air. It’s soft, and it’s warm, and it doesn’t need anywhere fancy for it to be properly enjoyed.

Photo by Henry Be on Unsplash

NOSE:

Immediately on the nose, this is a caramel and vanilla bomb. The oak has a light, smoky essence that only allows for the sweet smells to be more pronounced. There is some dark brown sugar accompanying it, along with some graham crackers and maple syrup. I find a slight nutty element as well – perhaps pecans – and it makes for a very buttery nose, overall. A strong argument could be made for the presence of cherries, but not maraschino. These are dark, bing cherries. The alcohol is very soft, and only on deep inhales, are you going to find a bit of a zing. Very excited for the palate on this one!

PALATE:
Maker's Mark RC6 Bourbon Review

– Mouth Feel: The caramel and maple both serve to make the whole mouth feel very syrupy and even a bit oily.
– Balance: Unexpected. The flavors are dominantly sweet and fruity, and while I like these flavors, I do wish there was some significant wood or spice to complement the sweetness.
– Visual: Carrot in color, this even looks oily in the glass, with a defined and thick crown that gives way to a curtain of thick legs.

– Taste: Caramel, maple, and cherry are the most obvious on the first sip. The cherries explode a lot like pop rocks candy does, chased surprisingly, by a yeasty component. I think this is where the wheat from the mash bill is the strongest, as the yeast does come across quite bready. There also seems to be currants with their own little pop of flavor, and nutmeg too. If I squint, some red delicious apples join the currants for brightness, as well as plums that contribute more to the darker flavors.

The alcohol is still quite mild, only with a hint of a bite on the palate. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, raisins, white pepper, and burnt caramel come forth, along with some alcohol bite.

As many of you know, I’m sure, fruits are among my favorite flavors to find in a bourbon, so you can imagine I am pleased with this palate. The only thing that I could critique slightly, is that I am struggling to find a definite base to this bourbon. In other words, I cannot find much oak on the palate, despite it having been present on the nose. This is still a good bourbon, but I do think an oaky foundation could have taken it to the next level. I find this realization surprising actually, as RC6 does belong to the Wood Finishing Series. Again, this is still a great tasting bourbon!

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium-Long. I get some warmth, and some flavor, but the heat lingers the longest just at the back of the palate.
– Between Sips: I find fruit leather and some allspice between sips, and both work together extremely well on an empty palate.

– No More: The caramel grows the further into the glass I get, with some light vanilla bean joining it. It remains soft in alcohol and sweet overall, with no new bursts of spice or wood to be found.

The empty Glencairn is incredibly oaky, and I really wish that even just some of that oak had been present in the rest of the pour. A bit of the yeast comes back here also to make for an earthy, empty glass. Again, I wish these flavors had been more prominent on the palate.

WORTH THE PRICE?

At $70 USD (in 2019, mind you), I think this is maybe priced just a little high. This is easily $50, and I’d gladly pay $60 because I like the flavor profile. I don’t regret this bottle in the collection, and I am looking forward to another pour, but I don’t think I’ll lament too much when it’s gone. And I don’t think I’ll lament at all that I can’t find another bottle out on the market. It’s worth it, but just barely. I’m glad I got to try this limited bottle, and it’s the fact that it’s limited that allows me to say it’s worth the price. If this was regularly on the shelves, I don’t think I’d feel the need to keep it on hand in the bunker.

MAKER’S MARK RC6 BOURBON REVIEW RATING: 85/100

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Click 85/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.

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Maker’s Mark Private Select ID Director’s Cut Batch #6 Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Maker’s Mark Private Select ID Director’s Cut Batch #6 Review

Original review written October 17, 2020

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Maker’s Mark Private Select ID Director’s Cut Batch #6 Review: If you are looking for the fruit and spice face-off of bourbon, any Maker’s with stave selections like Batch #6 will deliver. Each sip is full of fun and entertainment. 95/100

VITALS:
Maker's Mark Private Select ID Director's Cut Batch 6 Review

– Made In: Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Private Select
– Age: nas (other Director’s Cuts have been approximately 8 yrs in age)
– Mash Bill: Corn=70%; Soft red winter wheat=16%; Malted barley=14%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 53.5% (107 proof)
– MMPS ID-DCB6 finishing staves:
4 Baked American Pure (P2) – adds sweet brown vanilla, caramel and brown spice
3 Maker’s Mark 46 (46) – adds dried fruit, vanilla and spice
2 Roasted French Mocha (Mo) – adds char, maple and cacao
1 Toasted French Spice (Sp) – adds smoke, coumarin and spice
– Stave Selectors: Idaho State Liquor Division
– Price: $69.95 USD in Idaho

Visit makersmark.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

This one is so complex and warm, I really don’t think it needs anything extravagant. Have Batch #6 alone at a picnic table surrounded by quiet and a warm-enough sun. Let your thoughts and feelings wash over you in your solitude. #6 will keep you company and give you a bit of warmth to smile about.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

NOSE:

Initial inhales bring out seasoned dark fruit and a marshmallow sweetness. The seasoning includes cinnamon and black pepper (albeit subtle). It’s sprinkled on the fruit in such a way that the fruit may be dried, though that was not immediately apparent to me. The seasoning also contributes to a wheaty/grassy element that likely derives from the mash bill.

Deep draws coax out a dark caramel/brown sugar as well as hard oak that blend together well. Not a lot of heavy alcohol on the nose, reminding me of some of its other Maker’s siblings. However, I can easily tell that there is a greater sense of darkness in the #6 as opposed to others, and maybe more richness and complexity also.

PALATE:
Maker's Mark Private Select ID Director's Cut Batch 6 Review

– Mouth Feel: A distinct tickle that is unaggressive, yet very fun.
– Balance: For as much fruit as there is here, spice meets it sip for sip. Excellent blend.
– Visual: Tawny in color, there is a lingering crown, with fast-dropping legs of varying sizes.

– Taste: Juicy dark fruits burst forth, but they have the mouth feel of something akin to peach fuzz. Cinnamon and nutmeg add to the fruit, creating this dark, syrupy treat.

A hint of black pepper kicks in just at the back of the palate. Other fruit begin to come in with this black pepper kick – among them figs and yellow-fleshed peach. Light vanilla and caramel tickle the tip of the tongue, helping to make every aspect of the palate light up.

Somehow, floating in and around these flavors is a cherry blossom perfume, mixed with a sturdy oak barrel char that adds smoke and depth to every solid flavor.

The alcohol, as a whole, is still mild, but with the various spice and char in every second of the sip, I know that this little 107 proof has big dreams to burn. A Kentucky chew brings out a fun tingle that doesn’t quite sting. I taste cherry and apple blossoms here strongly, backed by cinnamon, char and light brown sugar. Very delicious!

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Very long. The warmth clings and clings, even to the teeth. And the aftertaste here with the warmth is great.
– Between Sips: Cherries, vanilla and barrel char. Could I ask for anything more in this category?

– No More: Stronger fruit leather and an unexpected, but tasty, apple tart come into play the further I get into the glass. The spice and original fruit are still here too; they just have extra companions.

The empty Glencairn has a spicy barrel char, with black pepper leading the way. All in all, a great pout that I look forward to having again.

WORTH THE PRICE?

Out of all of the Director’s Cuts I’ve had, Batch #6 is undoubtedly my favorite, and I do think it is worth the price at $70. Director’s Cuts as a whole from Maker’s I think are usually worth trying at least once, with only a couple batches unlikely to be worth the asking price. Luckily for us, this one definitely was worth it!

RATING: 95/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 95/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.

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