Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky (700ml)

Maker's Mark haven't been as prolific as other American whiskey producers. Not necessarily a bad thing if your core product is solid. Apart from Maker's 46 and some short-lived variations like Maker's Black Label (the latter only available in select markets), the range has remained relatively steadfast. The Bourbon review (gobourbon.com) explains the motivation behind this offering - a natural strength beauty scheduled for release in bars and restaurants only. We've snuck in a few bottles for those keen to get a sneak peek of what by all reports is a smashing Bourbon: "When Bill retired in 2011, his son Rob Samuels took charge and he has recently overseen the launch of a cask-strength Bourbon for their legion of fans. The company says it’s using regular Bourbon that’s ready to be bottled as regular Maker’s Mark, and is simply not cutting it at all with water... Folks familiar with the iconic Maker’s bottle will probably think it’s a “mini-me” version of the original due to its similarity in shape, label and trademarked free flowing red-waxed tassels. Maker’s hopes to bring more of the product to market next year and have enough to fill some shelves in retail stores (but no promise of that yet)." Please note: Batch number and alcohol volume may vary.

Other reviews... Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is classic Maker’s on the nose — vanilla, lightly almond-like notes, modest wood, and hints of ripe banana. Modest and sweet-smelling, the spirit at first indicates little to the nose about its overproof nature. The body starts off with only a few minor surprises. Cinnamon and red hot candies start things off, but then it’s on to an intense, alcohol-laden punch as that 113-plus proof core takes hold. Bigger, tannic oak notes arise here, along with more of that sweet vanilla core, some cocoa powder, and hints of grain. The finish is drying and a little bittersweet — another Maker’s Mark hallmark — with notes of butterscotch and a little menthol and black pepper as the finish fades. All told, it’s not unlike classic Maker’s Mark, just punched up a bit in both the flavor and the body departments to appeal to the overproof whiskey lover in the family. There’s definitely more intensity and fire here, but it’s easily drinkable at bottle strength. A touch of water brings out more nuances in all of the above. On the whole, I like it just fine, though not necessarily better than the classic Maker’s Mark. Frankly I’m not sure I need to have Maker’s at this proof level, but I like the idea that if I decide I do, I know it’s there for me. - drinkhacker.com

[Earlier batch tasted] This is what I wish the standard Maker’s Mark would be: more mature, spicier, more complex, and with a richer finish. Caramel kissed with honey provides a base for marzipan, cotton candy, cinnamon, clove, and a balancing leather dryness on the finish. 56.6% Alc./Vol. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Winter 2014) Reviewed by: John Hansell