Maker's Mark Cask Strength

Lots of spice and heat with vanilla behind it. Easy to sip at a higher proof

Too spicy and grassy for me

This review may ruffle a few feathers, but I could not get into this bottle. I’ve worked through the Makers core line (Makers, 46, CS) and after all those I think I prefer the original Makers. These other expressions are quality offerings, but it also smacks of a brand that is trying to innovate just for the sake of staying relevant in the market. Classic Makers is one of my favorite bourbons, and to me, this Cask Strength version is a classic example of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Let me explain. Picked this up about 11 months ago. When I initially opened it up, the nose was almost nonexistent; obscured by the proof. After some time in the glass and a little water, I’d get some faint brown sugar and grassy notes. It absolutely obliterated my palate upon entry, which is odd given that I’ve had higher proof offerings that don’t behave that way (such as high proof Wild Turkey products or Weller 107). That took away any hope of discerning other notes. So I have a few glasses, get the bottle down past the neck. No change. Into the cupboard it goes. Six months later with time and air. No change. Three more months. No change. Ice and water. Nope. Tried making cocktails with it. No avail. Wheated bourbons make bad cocktails IMO. The lack of rye spice backbone causes their more subtle flavors to be masked by mixers. WTF... I ended up giving the remainder of the bottle away. I’m going with a very patient 2.5 here. At $55, I could have bought nearly three bottles of standard Makers and been much better off for it. I hope your mileage varies with this one and you have a better experience. Have you ever had a dud bottle that you just wished would have been better and kept coming back over time to no avail? Post your thoughts in the comments below. Cheers!

Sweet and spicy. Very smooth with a quick bite at and mellow finish. Leaves me wanting more and I’ll buy more. If you like sweet oak this is your bottle.

Sweet and spicy. Very smooth with a quick bite at and mellow finish. Leaves me wanting more and I’ll buy more. If you like sweet oak this is your bottle.