Maker's Mark Private Select Bourbon

Stave selection by Downtown Fine Spirits and Wine in Colorado Springs, CO: 2-1-3-3-1 Nose: initially very spiritous due to the high ABV with ethanol, perfume and slight nail polish remover. After a few minutes and a little water, maple syrup with an underlying cherry come through. Some woodsmoke and charcoal also present. Quite nice once it has opened up and settled down. Palate: salted caramel and cherry. Finish: cherry, some charcoal, unsweetened vanilla and cinnamon, black pepper, and unsalted caramel. This is a complex bourbon that really needs water and a few minutes in the glass. But with water and a little time, it evolves nicely, and is a quality bourbon.

*This is the 2020 Rob Samuels personal selection. 105.5 proof / 54.25%* Familiar sweet tones your accustomed to from Makers Mark with a strong addition of wood tones, more bite, deeper flavor, rich but incredibly smooth. Was very popular.

Nose is smokey, baking spice. Fairly oaky flavor, earthy, leather? Spice is mild.

Best makers I’ve had.