USA, 45%
Maker's Mark is a bourbon whiskey produced in Loretto, Kentucky. The Maker's Mark distillery was founded in 1954 and today produces around 1 million bottles of whiskey per year. The Maker's Mark brand is known for its red wax seal, which is applied by hand to each bottle.
Maker’s Mark bourbon is distilled to the lowest proof of any US whiskey, according to the producer. This proffers a bourbon that retains a rich flavour. Developed by Bill Samuels Sr, he replaced rye with red winter wheat to reduce the burning sensation from the whiskey.
A brilliant whisky (NB - Maker's Mark is one of just a few distilleries in the US to spell whisky sans the "e"!) it is made to a mashbill which uses wheat instead of rye. The result, therefore, can be described as a "wheated bourbon", and it's all the more smooth and creamy because of it!
Maker's Mark is made using a sour mash process, which means that each batch of whiskey is made using a portion of the previous batch's fermented mash. This makes Maker's Mark whiskey unique, as each batch has its own flavor profile.
Nose: Fruity and rich. There are lovely notes of spiced honey and mixed peels, a little malmsey, hazelnut and a touch of cut fruit with toasty oak providing a backbone.
Palate: Rich and full. There are notes of rye and spice, barley malt, a little nut oil with butterscotch and vanilla.
Finish: Quite sweet with butterscotch and dry oak spice.
