Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Batch 20-01 /55,05%/ – The formula of Maker’s Mark bourbon was developed by Bill Samuels Sr. with a little help of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle and Ernest Ripy (Wild Turkey). After countless number of experiments they decided on mashbill composed of 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley. The brand debuted in 1958 and remained unknown for over 20 years, when “Wall Street Journal” published an article about the Samuels family and their dedication to bourbon (August 1980). Today Maker’s is one of the iconic brands with annual sales of over two million cases. The Cask Strength expression was introduced in 2014 and originally was offered exclusively in 0.375 liter bottles in selected markets, the standard size bottles followed couple of years later. It is one of the very few examples of wheated bourbon bottled at barrel proof. Our bottle was part of Batch # 20-01.
Nose: buttered toast, vanilla custard, caramel, toffee, orange peel, cherries, plums, cinnamon, clove, sugar-roasted peanuts and oak.
Palate: vanilla, crème brûlée, pralines, caramel popcorn, plums, peaches, orange marmalade, cinnamon, white pepper, and toasted oak.
Finish: long, with notes of caramel, vanilla, toffee, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg and oak.
