By Richard Thomas
Rating: B+
(Credit: Maker’s Mark)
In a major tweak to their core lineup, Maker’s Mark announced earlier this year that the cask strength expression of their bourbon would bear an age statement from now own. This would move it into line with expressions like Booker’s and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, both of which are built around distinct batches denoted by both proof and age. That intent was more or less confirmed by Maker’s Master Distiller Blake Layfield, who attributed the change to providing the details bourbon fans want to see.
That does not mean a huge departure for the expression, however. It’s the same wheated bourbon Maker’s Mark is famous for; because of the low entry proof favored by Maker’s Mark, the proof point is still expected to hover between 107 and 114; and the age will straddle 7 to 8 years. In other words, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is holding steady to what it always was, with a modest change in the label that provides a little more information.
This batch, the first marking the new labeling, is 7 years and 2 months old. It’s also bottled at 112.6 proof.
The Bourbon
The pour took on a middle amber appearance in my Glencairn. I found the nose floral and minty, with a hint of clove. Taking a sip yielded a current of brown sugar and vanilla, with those notes of mint and clove from the nose, plus some wildflower accents. The finish closed with a dry, moderately spicy oak note.
For my part, I have never really understood why the obsession with wheated bourbon did not put more attention on Maker’s Mark. It was an outgrowth of Pappy Fever, and fevers are irrational things, but still. Maker’s fans and “Wheater” diehards seem to be two different segments of the bourbon enthusiast category, with only slight overlap between them. When one considers that this very good cask strength bourbon is readily available and at a very reasonable price point, obsessing over wheated bourbon while ignoring it isn’t feverish. It’s insane.
The Price
Another thing that remains unchanged is the price: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is still $50 a bottle.
