Maker's Mark 101

The color is a transparent Pantone 138. The aroma offers notes of orange oil, sweet corn pudding, toasted marshmallow, a hint of peanut brittle, and rosin. The mouthfeel isn't thick, but it leaves an impression with some oak and a pleasant cinnamon spice at the finish, which lingers briefly. Maker's Mark, a bourbon made with wheat, has been improving over time. Initially, the distillery released Maker's 46, featuring a slightly higher proof and extra wood staves for enhanced flavor. This marked the beginning of their wood-finishing series, including various private barrel selections and limited releases like the FAE, BRP, and BEP series, followed by their Cellar Aged bourbon this year. I've enjoyed the first three and some private barrel selections. A friend has the very scarce Cellar Aged bottle (my entire state received only 12 bottles), and it's received exceptional reviews. I anticipate enjoying it as well—if they share! Maker's standard bottling is 90 proof; Maker's 46 is 94 proof, and the Cask Strength typically ranges from 110-115 proof. The 101, naturally, is 101 proof, which many consider ideal. While the 46 uses additional wood staves, the 101 is essentially the 90-proof version bottled at a higher proof. However, the elevated proof significantly impacts the experience! This bottle costs around $40. While the 101 proof would be suitable for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned (I do appreciate higher proof spirits in cocktails), this particular one is an excellent choice for sipping neat daily. It might not be incredibly complex, but it's very satisfying: sweet with a nice warmth, and free of woody tannins or bitterness. Be cautious with this one; it's very easy to drink. Would I purchase it again? Yes. It offers great value. A score of 4.0, considering its value.

Sampled neat. Attractive box packaging (deep red and cream lettering), and gold lettering applied to the standard MM bottle (perhaps it warrants something better). The whisky is a dark copper hue with moderate viscosity evident in the glass. On the nose: dry peanut shells and apricot, caramelized sugar, and vanilla-infused oak, with a slight tannic quality. On the palate: caramelized sugar, cherry, vanilla, and some tannic oak. It's a savory, soft wheated whisky, but it lacks a substantial coating mouthfeel. The cherry fruit flavor (reminiscent of cough syrup) intensifies in the finish, accompanied by a mildly acrid burnt oak tannic flavor and a moderate ethanol bloom for a spirit of 101 proof. Hints of pepper and baking spice are present, but they are certainly in the background and indistinct. The finish feels thin and is rather brief. And mildly acrid. Adding an ice cube reduces the burnt and acrid notes, leading to a softer, sweeter, fruitier taste, and shortens an already short finish. I had anticipated a significantly better experience, especially considering the high rating from a prominent reviewer. Either my palate is off tonight, or I'll need to re-evaluate this in a couple of days. The MM 101 shares a comparable profile with the regular MM at 90 proof, serving as an interesting transitional taste between it and the MM Cask Strength at 113 proof ($55). The 101 is good – there's nothing inherently wrong with their recent wheated and wood-aged whiskys – and at this elevated proof, it will perform better as a component in my Manhattan. However... is it worth a 94 rating? And at $40? I don't think so.

Color: A deep, reddish-brown. Nose: Notes of caramel and wood with a sugary character. Palate: The caramel sugar and wood notes from the aroma persist. It has a thick, syrupy texture. A slight tingle on the tongue and a pleasant, gentle warmth in the chest. I'm tempted to call it spicy, but that's not quite right. While other Wheated bourbons I've sampled have left me feeling indifferent, the wheat character is truly prominent here. Finish: Moderate length. Smooth and buttery with a hint of apple, which I find delightful. I've tried the standard Maker's Mark, Maker's 46, and various special releases like FAE, BRT, and BEP. I've found them all quite enjoyable. However, I believe this 101 proof expression has now surpassed the others. I would purchase this again before reconsidering any of the others, and not solely because it's easier to find than those special editions.

It presents as sweet, with vanilla and caramel toffee on the tongue. Enjoyable and simple to consume straight. I disapprove of the twist-off cap instead of a cork. For a limited release indicated on the bottle, this was a poor choice. Makers produces a quality bourbon, and the increased proof elevates this spirit above the standard, but I must say that for the Makers brand, if you intend to spend the money on this bottle, the cask strength version is the superior option for the additional cost, assuming you can find it.

Sweet but spicy aroma. Burnt orange. Vanilla. Slight saltiness and caramel. The taste starts with some bright fruit notes. Green apple and orange. Then it transitions into some dark flavor notes. Dark caramel, almost bordering on black licorice. A bit of smoke in the background with the oak. The extra proof really adds some extra dimension to an already good bottle. Nice finish. Slightly dry with some burn. A great purchase for 40 dollars if you can find it.

Vanilla, cherry, and caramel are the main notes I detect on the nose. Also some subtle hints of cinnamon and raisin. Notes of vanilla and caramel from the nose are present in the initial sip. Bitter notes of dark chocolate and an oakiness appear in the mid-palate. The finish has a pepper note and a slight amount of heat that lingers for a short duration.