Reviews

To be honest, I didn’t expect much from this blend at all, even if it is a malt blend. Especially since there’s no age statement. That said, what’s in the bottle is actually a fairly balanced entry-level dram. It works fine neat, and it’s even better in cocktails or with soda if you enjoy soft, lightly smoky, easy-drinking malt whiskies. At the same time, it’s clear that this is a young blend — the alcohol presence sticks out a bit, especially on the palate. The aroma is light, leaning toward bready and nutty notes, while the finish is short and fairly straightforward, though smooth.

Some time ago, Maker’s Mark was the first wheated bourbon I ever tried. Back then, I distinctly picked up a fresh apple note in it — something that, interestingly, is rarely mentioned in tasting notes. Compared to the regular Maker’s Mark, fresh apple is less prominent, giving way to banana and baked apple, pastry notes. More powerful, though not more nuanced, than the regular release. Personally, I found that a few drops of water helped the nose and palate open up more fully. The finish is not particularly vivid — somewhat blurred and understated — bringing notes of raw, untoasted wood, without the varnishy edge. However, it lingers for quite a while.