Maker's Mark Private Select Oak Stave Selection By Total Wine & More

During a trip to Florida, four of us sampled four high-proof wheated bourbons: Larceny barrel proof batch A120 and B520, both rated in the bottom third. Maker's Mark barrel stave program with 6 French mocha staves, 109 proof, rated in the top third. Boone County 7yr SiB, 122 proof, rated in the top third. This was a highly competitive tasting with very close scores. We all enjoyed sharing our observations. One might comment "I detect ---" and receive responses ranging from "Yes, I notice that now" to "Not at all." No one felt offended by differing opinions. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon with ribs on the smoker. This particular bourbon has a rich nose with caramel and oak, which I find appealing. The alcohol is well-integrated, and I detect a subtle coffee note. The palate mirrors the nose, minus the coffee. The finish is primarily oak and quite lengthy, which I appreciate. This was my second favorite, although others ranked it lower. It hasn't been open long, so it may develop further.

Classic Maker's Mark. Notes of pepper, caramel, and maple. I had the chance to taste this during an extended whiskey tasting session, but unfortunately, I couldn't take detailed notes. I adhere to the rating system outlined below. The distiller uses a scale of 5, while I use a scale of 10. I trust you're not too intoxicated to perform the necessary conversion! 1. Abysmal - So poor I discarded it. 2. Subpar - I would avoid consuming it by choice. 3. Flawed - Exhibits multiple imperfections. 4. Below Average - Not bad, but I'd prefer many other options. 5. Average - Simply standard. 6. Quite Good - Better than average. 7. Excellent - Significantly above average. 8. Outstanding - In a category of its own. 9. Exceptional - A personal all-time favorite. 10. Flawless

Nose: maple syrup, caramel, slight banana, pepper Palate: oak forward, lots of pepper, underlying caramel Finish: long, oak and red hots This is the 2021 selection from the retailer. Viscosity is light-medium. Wheated sweetness without being syrupy, caramel underneath the blast of oak and pepper. After the red hots wear off, the finish is a very pleasant light sweetness and oak.

Aroma - classic barrel spice and caramel, kind of a closed nose overall Palate - medium bodied, strong spice, some vanilla and caramel underneath, barrel tannins and some nuttiness Finish - lingering dry spice, medium burn

Smooth with hints of caramel and vanilla, with spice at the front.

Pleasant, but could be richer in flavor for my preference.