Maker's Mark Private Select Bourbon

VARIETY: 2 x Baked American Pure 2 3 x Maker’s 46 3 x Roasted French Mocha 2 x Toasted French Spice 111.1 Proof / 55.55% Alc/vol. Excellent drop, one for the collection.

Sun’s 50th Anniversary Private Select cask strength. 112 proof. Sweet corn nose. Intense, sweet, and woody with some cherry notes. A couple drops of water gives it a “fluffy” mouthfeel and enhances fruit undertones. 4.1.

Great, unique bourbon here. The nose is kind of fruity and light, with strong toffee and a little wood. It is 110 proof, but the alcohol burn seems to have been quelled a bit by Maker's apparently masterful barreling process. At taste, it seems to have a little bit more body than the nose implies. The legs are not thick, but a little long. I don't know how many years this bourbon was aged, but I'm guessing it's a little less than 10 or 12 years. However, it seems to have some developed maturity. As far as I know, maturity is not necessarily dependent on age, so perhaps that could explain it. In any case, it's very nice overall. Perhaps it's not quite what I know to be "full-bodied" bourbon, but the body is substantial considering that it has a rather light, airy taste; not so much as say Basil Hayden, but perhaps something more along the lines of Russell's Reserve if that helps as a reference. It's fairly smooth overall and a subtle rye kick or something like that on the way down. It has some complexity, and I like how it blossoms with just a few drops of water. This bottle costed me $62 + tax. That's an OK price from what I've tasted, but I've only had a couple of drinks. Right now, it seems more like a $56 bottle, but when I get halfway through the bottle, that might change.