Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
113.3 Proof
Price Point: $30 – $40 for 375 ML
Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc.
Background
Ever walk into a liquor store, not knowing what you are going to buy. And before you can even glimpse at the shelf, you see something exciting, sitting on the end cap, almost screaming out to you for you to buy it? That’s what happened with me and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength – it was love at first sight.
Review
The nose on Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is surprisingly grassy right off the bat. There’s fresh celery (leafy), along with soft wheat and charred oak. Vanilla and caramel round it out this bourbon that’s not as intense as other barrel-proofers (a positive trait, in my opinion).
If the nose tricked you into thinking this wasn’t a big whisky, your first sip will prove that it is, indeed. A big, unsuspecting burn quickly fades opening up to big flavor. There are more earthy notes followed by wheat and sweet caramel. The barley in the mashbill is evident here.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength finishes with more burn and sweet vanilla notes.
Rating & Recommendations
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength earns a rating of 87 out of 100.
This whisky is a couple steps above the standard Maker’s Mark, but this one certainly lives up to the hype. The price for a 375 ML isn’t cringe-worthy, but it’s also not something I would be willing to pay on an ongoing basis.
-Ryan