Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 FAE-02

The marketing emphasizes mouthfeel. For the 2020 release, SE4 X PR5, the focus was on caramel and vanilla. The initial 2021 special release, FAE 01, highlighted fruit-forward notes similar to Maker's Mark. This release, however, centers on its exceptional mouthfeel. I don't typically seek out whiskies primarily for their mouthfeel, though good viscosity is a welcome addition, just not a primary selling point. Nevertheless, I'm a Maker's Mark enthusiast, and with many special bourbon releases now exceeding $100, a $60 special release feels like a genuine find. So, despite my playful critique of the mouthfeel-centric marketing, I purchased a bottle on its release day. Considering reports of supply chain issues and limited availability in my area, I wanted to secure a bottle. While I missed the 2019 release, I have unopened bottles of the 2020 and 2021 FAE 01, which I plan to try eventually. This was the first bottle I opened shortly after acquiring it. Beyond that, I believe the marketing team could benefit from more creative naming conventions, not just for the mouthfeel emphasis, but also for the HAL 9000-esque release designations. While I'm enthusiastic about these releases, they'd be even more engaging with fun, non-robotic names. Regarding the FAE 02 itself: it's genuinely impressive. I often find it challenging to form a definitive opinion on a whiskey the night I open it, but this one stood out immediately. The aroma is delightful, with notes of oak, molasses, brown sugar, and pine, accented by a hint of tobacco. It evokes the feeling of enjoying a drink by a fireplace on a cold winter's night – robust and substantial. It's richer than many others. I enjoyed two glasses during a video call with a friend, and it continued to impress. To contrast the intensity, I had a glass of a less complex Evan Williams 1783, which ultimately highlighted how rich, robust, complex, and hearty the Maker's Mark is upon my return. The palate is dominated by molasses and brown sugar, echoing the nose. It possesses a delicate, fine sweetness that is pleasantly bitter rather than cloying, akin to high-cocoa dark chocolate, with a subtle caramel note developing as it lingers. This sounds appealing, doesn't it? So why the emphasis on mouthfeel in the marketing? I anticipate this will sell quickly as a Maker's Mark special release, but its appeal might be slightly less immediate than its predecessors due to the focus on mouthfeel. Now, about that mouthfeel: it's quite good, especially when compared to a less sophisticated whiskey. The EW 1783, at 90 proof, seemed thin in comparison. (To be clear, I'm not criticizing the EW; I don't expect it to rival the MM FAE 02; if it did, I'd buy the EW instead. I'm merely illustrating how less expensive bourbons can complement higher-end ones.) The FAE 02's description mentions how stave profiles contribute to fatty alcohol esters. While 'Fatty Alcoholic Esthers' sounds like a terrible name for an all-female polka band, I interpret this as an acidic viscosity that enhances the mouthfeel. Or perhaps it's a viscous acidity. My understanding of mouthfeel is that it's either present or absent, good or not good, based on my experience; it's not something I typically analyze in depth. When evaluating a whiskey today, I often consider if I would repurchase it. However, my current preference is for variety. This bottle cost $60 and was certainly good enough to buy again. Yet, Knob 12 also costs $60, and I haven't tried it. Port Charlotte 10 is $70, and I'm interested in trying it. Alberta Premium Cask Strength is $70, and I want to sample it. So, while I theoretically would buy this again, my current inclination is to explore new options rather than revisit the same whiskey, even if it's excellent. By the time I explore other whiskeys in this price range (Old Overholt 11 Year, Teeling Blackpitts, Redbreast Cask Strength, Paul John Christmas Edition 2021), the FAE 02 will likely be gone. And by then, the 2022 SR15 22 X 98!Z* will probably be out, and I'll likely grab that before trying some of the others. In conclusion, this is a fine, good whiskey that I look forward to enjoying throughout the colder months. It's something to savor, isn't it?

Inspired by the exceptional bourbon that is RC6, I instantly became a devotee of Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series. Foolishly, I presumed I'd be able to find every bottling locally, and I was completely mistaken. I finally managed to obtain a bottle of FAE-02 recently but am still searching for SE4 PR5, aiming to experience these tastes before BRT 01 and 02 become available for me to either order or buy in person. The nose is sweet and potent. Brown sugar and licorice are the dominant scents to me. Initial taste is entirely sweet. Milk chocolate, vanilla, and honey greet you warmly but merge into slightly bitter and aromatic spices like cinnamon and ginger. A slightly bitter finish gives way to an interesting, fresh herbaceous quality. It somewhat reminds me of mint (the herb, not like toothpaste). It somewhat tastes like some rye in the mash bill but refined a bit for this special release. The finish remains spicy, and the mouthfeel is somewhat thin, disappearing into a slightly bitter and powdery texture on the tongue, akin to dark chocolate powder. I've only had the pleasure of tasting RC6, FAE01, and now FAE02 within the Maker's Mark Wood Finishing series, and this is genuinely my least preferred of the three. However, as a standalone bourbon, it is quite good. It offers some characteristics not typically found in Maker's, especially that refreshing herbaceous spice flavor on the finish. Try FAE02 if you have the opportunity, but don't go out of your way to track down a bottle.

The aroma is quite strong with notes of cola, sarsaparilla, cocoa, tart red apple, warming ginger, and mellow woody notes. A constant ethanol presence prevents you from inhaling as deeply as you'd prefer. The initial taste brings caramel and vanilla, then milk chocolate, citrus zest, drying peanut shell, and a more aged (slightly bitter) woodiness than perceived on the nose, which provides equilibrium. The taste stays on the palate for an unusually prolonged period, a characteristic I appreciated. The conclusion is of moderate duration, transitioning into a warm baking spice medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and ginger, with a whisper of star anise. This particular release is intended to highlight texture, and it succeeds, offering a smooth, silken feel. While certainly a positive attribute, it doesn't quite align with the distinctly spiced finish, if that makes sense. (However, I'm nitpicking here). Not as exceptional as FAE-01, but still a highly pleasurable spirit with considerable complexity. It successfully exhibits the strengths of its maker (a rich, cake-like sweetness) while mitigating its weaknesses (overly sharp spice). At its price point, I would likely purchase another if available (highly unlikely).

This release is enhanced by an American oak stave toasted on one side, then added to the barrel. This innovation increases the oak influence without being excessive. Fresh-sawn oak, earthiness, leather, and iced tea are balanced by caramel apple, toffee, and baking spice. A flavor-packed, oak-driven bourbon that wears its proof well.

When I read that this bourbon was expected to deliver on its promised "mouthfeel," I became intrigued and recalled a pour of Michter's 10 Year Bourbon. I was quite excited because I thoroughly enjoyed the Michter's, which had an exceptionally smooth and viscous texture that I had never encountered before. Unfortunately, this FAE02 did not provide the creaminess I was anticipating. Make no mistake, it was an excellent bourbon. It had a pleasantly sweet, caramel aroma. The palate was woody with more caramel and a slightly sugary yet burning finish. Its complexity was such that I genuinely enjoyed it. However, it did not meet the expectations I initially had for it.

I haven't tried much Maker's Mark, so I can't really compare it to their standard offerings. This one has caramel, apple, oak, and some chocolate notes. It's soft in the middle with a slightly spicy finish. I tasted a small pour of Old Weller Antique alongside it and preferred this one by a quarter to a half point. The OWA seemed a bit tart in comparison. I might consider purchasing this if I see it at the suggested retail price. I am curious how it stacks up against the regular cask strength, as that's available locally for about $35.