Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon 375ml ($39.99)
Whisky Advocate: “This is what I wish the standard Maker’s Mark would be: more mature, spicier, more complex, and with a richer finish. This was initially released in Kentucky only, but rumors are that it will get a wider distribution in the future. The best Maker’s Mark since the now extinct Maker’s Mark Black, which was released for export only. If you can track down a bottle, you won’t be disappointed. -John Hansell”
K&L Notes: Kentucky’s most popular wheated bourbon that isn’t called “Pappy,” Maker’s Mark has long been famous for using winter wheat as the flavor grain (along with the majority of corn) instead of the ubiquitous rye. The only thing that ever kept Maker’s Mark from capturing the hearts of serious bourbon aficionados everywhere was the low proof. In 2014, however, they released a tiny amount of cask strength whiskey (in tiny bottles) to Kentucky residents and people went bananas. Seeing that landing a bottle of Pappy today is like winning the lottery, the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is easily the next best thing (and, depending on who you talk to, it might even be better!). Big richness, bold spice, and that classic, creamy wheated profile combine into one epic ride. We’ve been forced to limit customers to one bottle only, and most people were lucky just to get that. But somehow, someway, we’ve managed to grab a truckload of this stuff and offer it to every K&L customer with no limits or restrictions on quantity.
| David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 06, 2015What a shock this was! I’ve always found the standard makers to be a bit on the sweet side, but this new cask strength version is just perfect. Very close to some of the excellent old wheaters of days passed. No Old Fitz, No Pappy, no Weller, no problem! Grab these while they’re here cause we’ve got no limit and no telling when we’ll get more. |
| Kyle Kurani | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 27, 2015The best thing to come out of the folks and Maker’s in a long time. This is the famous sweet supple and wheated bourbon turned up and made into something completely more spectacular. Gobs of rich red fruit from the wheat, spicy and decadent at the same time, the added proof gives it a mouth coating viscosity. The finish is deep and bold, caramel, toffee, and the unmistakable kiss of creamy sweetness only to be found in wheated bourbons. My only issue is that the bottle is empty too quickly. |
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David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 26, 2015 I can promise you that every store from here to Bangor, Maine is sick and tired of the question, “Do you guys have any Pappy?” The only question even more frustrating that that one is: “What do you have that tastes like Pappy?” Not because it’s a stupid question, but mainly because there isn’t anything available that even remotely tastes like Pappy that isn’t Pappy. Except the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon. Now HERE is a whiskey that DOES rather taste like Pappy. The only problem is getting your hands on some. Big power, creamy texture from the wheat, and bold spice on the finish. This is something you can hang your hat on if you’re tired of the Pappy hunt. If you ask me, the MM cask strength is even better than many of the younger Van Winkle expressions. |
K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
