Maker's Mark Bourbon Cask Strength

In a contest of Maker’s Mark Wood-Finishing Series expressions, the BRT-02 emerged as the clear winner. This review started with three specific Maker’s Mark Finishing Series bourbons: The Heart Release 2024, The Keeper’s Release 2025, and a Private Selection Unique Stave Selection. To establish a baseline, a bottle of Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength was introduced, which then necessitated a baseline for the MM46, leading to the inclusion of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Lastly, an unopened BRT-02 from inventory was added to the comparison. The tasting commenced with the standard MM Cask Strength, followed by the MM46 Cask Strength, and then the others chronologically. These bourbons were sampled over multiple days. I appreciate Maker’s Mark and their Wood-Finishing Series, which originated with Maker’s 46. All whiskies, regardless of origin, have explored special releases with varied outcomes, often involving barrels that previously held wine or spirits. Consequently, I was eager to evaluate Maker’s further development of the 46 project. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Although I consistently keep Maker’s Mark at home and have been a longtime admirer of Maker’s 46, I've never been particularly drawn to Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, especially considering my preference for high-proof bourbon. This lack of enthusiasm puzzled me, as I typically see Barrel Proof and Cask Strength versions as more authentic representations of their lower-proof counterparts. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength possessed an indefinable quality, a musty undertone. Through this tasting, I believe I’ve identified it: the wood. It has an aged wood character. By law, bourbon must be aged in charred new American oak, so it shouldn't legally possess an old wood profile. However, this wood doesn't contribute the rich vanilla and other flavors characteristic of new oak, which is the core principle of Maker’s Wood Finishing series. Compared to the other five bourbons, the Cask Strength feels muted; the wood's contribution is minimal. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is available for approximately $45. Would I purchase it again? Yes, to keep on hand, particularly for cocktails due to its high alcohol content. Scored 3.75. Batch No. 21-02. 55.2% ABV. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength Significantly richer and more complex than the standard Cask Strength. It also surpasses the Heart, Keeper’s, and Private Selection in richness and intensity; in comparison, these others appear somewhat more delicate. The MM46 presents as more unified than the others, but its depth and richness are compelling. Aligns with previous notes (10/12/23). Flavors of hot chocolate, cocoa, dried apricot, cola, vanilla, and a hint of dill are present. Abundant oak notes. The palate offers cinnamon apples and clove. The finish is of medium length, dominated by oak characteristics. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength can be purchased for around $60. Would I buy it again? Yes. Scored 4.0. Batch 24-01. 55.3% ABV. Maker’s Mark BRT-02 Limited Release (2022) Exhibits both elegance and strength. It's sweet and fruity, with notes of cocoa, espresso, dates, caramel apple, smoked BBQ, oak, and vanilla. It is remarkably smooth, especially considering the limited proof variation among these six bourbons. The finish is exceptionally long, with flavors of chocolate fudge and maple candy. The BRT-02 can still be found online for approximately $140. This is an exceptional bourbon. Would I buy it again? While not inexpensive, it represents good value. Yes. Scored 4.5+. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French Oak staves. 54.7% ABV. Maker’s Mark The Heart Release 2004 I am surprised I haven't reviewed this bourbon before, as this was the final pour from the bottle. The label suggests "Caramel, Chocolate, Maple." In practice, this approach, used by many distilleries, is more accurately described as suggestive labeling. Caramel is a common bourbon descriptor; chocolate in its various forms is also frequent. Maple is less common. I don't detect much maple here. Chocolate-covered cherries? Yes, and perhaps some cocoa. Pipe tobacco? New saddle leather? Yes to both. And spearmint. The palate lacks significant viscosity. The finish features cinnamon red hots and clove, with wood tannins and a cooling licorice note. The alcohol is noticeable and slightly imbalanced; I've experienced higher-proof whiskies that were better integrated. The Heart Release debuted with a retail price of $75 and can still be found online slightly above that price. While many whiskies possess greater allure and perhaps more effective marketing, the market dynamics are indicative here. I own whiskies that have increased tenfold in value since their purchase. I don't acquire whiskies as investments—I consume them—but scarcity significantly influences price, and apparently, there are ample quantities of this release available. This suggests either A) Maker’s produced an excessive amount; B) discerning drinkers were not particularly impressed (this price point targets enthusiasts, not casual mixers); or C) a combination of both. I enjoyed this bourbon and have no regrets about purchasing it, but it is not particularly remarkable, unlike the earlier FAE and BEP releases. Compared side-by-side with the Maker’s 46 Cask Strength, it is fruitier (and potentially more complex). Would I buy it again? Perhaps, to have it for comparison with other expressions. Scored 4.0. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French oak staves. Volume 1 of 5. Bottled June 2024. 56.0% ABV. Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release 2005 The bottle states: “Bold, Oak, Toasted Sweetness.” The bourbon enthusiast asks: “And then what?” Lacks originality. However, it’s not entirely dismissible; we still must taste it. For science. I detect a distinct cherry cordial note on the nose, along with sawdust (not necessarily negative), cocoa, mocha (a combination of coffee flavors, not pure coffee), apple?, spearmint, and, predictably, oak. The palate is neither notably oily nor viscous. A significant presence of oaky tannins mixed with alcohol. Throughout, there's a cooling spearmint and licorice note, with bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, and espresso on the finish, and a late-arriving peach essence. Is it “Bold?” I certainly hope so. This is not weak, low-proof bourbon served over ice. This is bourbon in the above-bottled-in-bond category. Also enjoyed neat. Is it “Oak?” Yes, bourbon by definition requires aging in new, charred oak barrels. The same applies to “Toasted Sweetness.” The oak is toasted (charred), and the oak is the source of the various “sweet” flavor descriptors. Disregard my earlier statement: the market has made its decision. The Keeper’s Release can still be found for around its release price of $75. Would I buy it again? Possibly, for the same reason as the 2024 Heart Release—to continue exploring the different Maker’s expressions. I prefer this slightly over the Heart Release, but they are quite similar. Scored 4.0+. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. Release 2 of 5. Bottled February 2025. 54.6% ABV. Maker’s Mark Unique Stave Selection 086/246 This expression is the most wood-forward (though not necessarily woody) of the three. Notes of marzipan, cocoa, and peaches, presenting as sweeter than the others. It has more viscosity than the Heart or Keeper’s. The finish includes vanilla, chocolate fudge, and licorice. While all Unique Stave Selections are distinct, variants like this one are available for around $85. Would I buy it again? I would revisit the store where I purchased this specific expression for another bottle. Scored 4.25. Stave Profile: Baked American Pure (0); seared French cuvée (3); Maker’s Mark 46 (1); roasted French mendiant (5); toasted French spice (1). No. 086/246. 55.35% ABV. I sampled these bourbons over several days in small quantities. Each feels somewhat unrefined compared to the elegant and complex BRT-02. The 46 is the most assertive; the Unique Stave Selection is the sweetest. 1. BRT-02 Limited Release 2. Private Selection Unique Stave Selection 086/246 3. Marker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength 4. The Heart Release 2024 5. The Keeper’s Release 2025 6. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Observing six Glencairns of bourbon side-by-side is always an enlightening experience. Dissecting these bourbons individually would be challenging, and evaluating all six simultaneously presents its own set of difficulties. These recent special releases do not reach the standard of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series, which are notable. Nor do they match the quality of their FAE and BRT predecessors from the early 2020s. While I am skeptical of private barrel selections from any retailer—one might question whether a distiller would truly offer its finest barrels to a retailer rather than keeping them—in this specific instance, the private selection tasted here was, in many respects, superior to the other more prominent releases. And then there's the Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength. This expression is priced only $10-15 less than the special releases. It offers the best value among the group.

BUDGET HAZMAT SHOWDOWN Benchmark Full Proof Old Grand-Dad 114 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength I’ve always enjoyed high-proof, barrel-strength “hazmat” bourbon. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, there’s a certain purity to these, as they are bottled undiluted and directly from the barrel. I chose three affordable bottles from my collection to determine the best budget hazmat bourbon. While these don’t reach the proof of many premium bourbons (like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Booker’s, often 130+ proof, or highly sought-after bottles like William Larue Weller), they are also considerably less expensive. The comparisons aren’t perfect, but a little empirical tasting is valuable. Benchmark Full Proof (125 proof; $25) The Benchmark Full Proof (BFP), from Buffalo Trace, has a clear, classic mahogany color, essentially the same as the other two. The aroma is sweet, with notes of chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla, cigar box, pipe tobacco, and the expected ethanol; no need to bury your nose unless you enjoy pain. After tasting the other two, I also detect cotton candy aromas. The palate has a light, glycerin mouthfeel and, again, the expected ethanol. The finish is medium in length and very smooth, with no tannic bitterness. It has no age statement. 4.0 out of 5 stars. Old Grand-Dad 114 (114 proof; $30) Old Grand-Dad 114 (OGD), a Jim Beam product, displays the same classic color as the BFP. The aroma is quite different, featuring saddle leather, dried oranges, demerara sugar, a dusty note, and a subtle coolness like mint, likely from the high-rye mash bill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% barley). Surprisingly, the alcohol comes across as strong or even stronger than the BFP, despite being 11 proof points lower. There's more oak on the palate as well. The medium finish has some rye spice and, like the BFP, no bitterness. Overall, it's less sweet than the BFP. It also has no age statement. 3.75 out of 5 stars. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (110.4 proof; $40) Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (MMCS) is a Maker’s Mark product, with a color nearly identical to the BFP and OGD. This bottle is the lowest proof of the three at 110.4; the company states the proof can range from 108 to 114. The aroma intensity is between the BFP and OGD, offering notes of caramel, Cocoa Puffs cereal, and brown sugar. The palate is warm and noticeably lighter than the other two, as expected with the lower proof, and includes a pleasant rosin note. The finish has noticeable woody vanilla, more pronounced than in the BFP and OGD. This is also an NAS bourbon. 4.0 out of 5 stars. Each of these is enjoyable on its own, and their high proofs would work well in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned (I've tried both with the BFP and OGD). Overall, the BFP is smoother and richer; the OGD is a bit more robust; and the MMCS is more refined. They all lack the complexity and intensity found in Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Booker’s, but those cost more than double. I’ve always been a fan of OGD and considered it the best value for its proof. However, compared to these others, I rank it third. The BFP and MMCS are both very good and distinct, but I slightly favor the BFP. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in Glencairn glasses.

MAKER’S MARK CASK STRENGTH SHOWDOWN Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength I really appreciate Maker’s Mark’s wood-finishing line, which started with Maker’s 46. Maker’s 46 Cask Strength, released nationally in 2020, is a newer option. Maker’s 46 is significantly better than the standard Maker’s Mark; let’s see if that holds true for their cask-strength versions. These two have almost identical proof points, just 0.1 apart; the main difference is the extra wood staves in the Maker’s 46. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Appearance is a clear, bourbon-like Pantone 152. The aroma has noticeable ethanol, with notes of tangerine, sawdust, bananas foster, cocoa powder, rosin, a hint of guava, and cinnamon. The alcohol is also strong on the palate, showing plenty of oak and vanilla, with a bitter, woody finish. There’s a lot of wood present. As I taste and compare this with the 46CS, there’s a fluctuation between appealing complexity and overwhelming woodiness. Maker’s prioritizes bottling to taste over aging; perhaps the focus on the regular MM detracts from its cask-strength counterpart. There’s much to enjoy, if the wood notes were reduced. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength sells for around $40. Would I repurchase it? Yes. 3.75 out of 5 stars. 110.4 proof. No Age Statement. Batch no. 21-02. Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength The color is almost the same as the regular MM Cask Strength, Pantone 152. The aroma is different; it’s warmer, sweeter, and smoother than the standard cask strength, with hints of hot chocolate, coffee, caramel, dried apricot, a touch of dill, and vanilla, plus a trace of char. Although the alcohol isn’t as prominent on the aroma as with the MMCS—despite the near-identical proof—it becomes apparent on the finish, alongside oak and abundant vanilla. There’s much to appreciate here, but like the standard MMCS, there’s substantial woodiness. Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength costs about $65, making it pricier than Maker’s standard cask strength offering. Would I repurchase it? (This was a gift). Yes. Based on proof alone, the price is reasonable in today’s market, and it’s also good—superior to the standard cask strength offering. A bit less wood would easily elevate this to 4.0 stars; I’m curious to try other batches to see if that's the case. 3.75 out of 5 stars. 110.3 proof. No Age Statement. Batch no. 23-01. There are numerous potential “showdown” matchups, considering shared producers, types, styles, and proofs. I’m interested in comparing the regular 46 (I have an older bottle) directly with this 46 Cask Strength. Based on memory, I prefer the regular 46; however, I’ll need to confirm that in another review. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Overall: This is a solid drink. The 110 proof wasn't too strong, but provided a bit more spice as anticipated. However, there was some disappointment as I drank it – the flavor never evolved and lacked the depth I seek in bourbons. The flavor it did have was sweet and enjoyable, but it became predictable and uninteresting, much like a friend who avoids telling jokes or advancing conversations. (Batch 22-02) Nose: Maraschino cherries, a hint of woodiness, very little ethanol (I always let the glass sit for 10 minutes). Palate: Honey and cherries combine into a woody spice. On some sips, the cherry can become quite medicinal, but the sweetness from the grains helps to correct this. Finish: A short to medium length characterized by sweet bakery notes, spice, and hints of pumpkin. The cherry notes from the nose are the most persistent.

Aroma - sweet scents are present. Orange creamsicle, brown sugar, some sweet apples, very faint oak (suggesting a 4-5 year old bourbon). Overall, quite nice on the nose. Not overly complex, but inviting. Taste - Still getting a nice orange creamsicle-like note, with caramel drizzle (similar to the type used on ice cream). There's an earthy/green characteristic that's a bit confusing given there's no rye in the mash bill, and I'm also detecting some peppery/spicy notes. Overall - The nose is very pleasant and I prefer it to the taste. However, the taste is certainly above average. Wheat bourbons often have a soft texture on my palate, which is what I'm experiencing here. The finish is also above average. This is a good pour. It will likely make for an excellent Old Fashioned, and I'm eager to try it in that cocktail.

This is my second bottle, and they are definitely distinct, not just in proof. On the nose, I get cherry, oak, green apple, and a hint of ethanol. The palate begins with a sweet cherry cough syrup and oak, with not much else. The mid-palate has a bit of spice for a wheater, and some proof also comes through. The finish is syrupy and thick, featuring strong cherry and oak notes. At the time of tasting, I had a mild head cold, so I may not have caught all the flavor nuances. The current bottle is batch 21-8, proof 112.5 ABV 56.25%, delivering a significant impact. I'd recommend anyone interested in bourbon to try this; it's unlike other Maker's products and very reasonably priced for a cask strength wheated bourbon. Enjoy.