Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 FAE-01

Growing up, my mother seldom bought us cake. Instead, we had “healthy “ dessert, which were canned peaches in syrup. ( in retrospect, that’s worse than the cake). It was the smell of sweet syrup further made sweeter with the peaches. This Maker’s reminded me of those peaches. This has a sweet fruity taste at entry, but then accompanied by a tobacco leaf taste. Now, I’m not a fan of Maker’s. I’ve had their regular product a few times, and was barely able to go beyond a sip or two. In fact, the only times I’ve ever got it was when it was for free in the open bar weddings ( remember those...aaah, the good times pre-COVID-19). It’s fair to say that Maker’s is one of my most hated whiskeys, alongside the JW Red. But this...this I like. It’s not like their regular Maker’s at all. The sweet fruit flavor with a hint of tobacco is quite a departure from what I recall from their base product. It’s an experiment gone well. My score of 3.75 reflects a score from a guy who despises Maker’s....so, if you even remotely appreciate their regular base product, this is a must have on your shelf.

Outstanding nose of oak, maple syrup and dr pepper? not sure but its a really delicious smell. The mouthfeel is also a great, creamy coat. Tastes are close to dried cherry, with vanilla and faint dark caramel and oak. Finishes with some nutmeg and spice. light tobacco. Can pick up some VERY nice charred oak notes in all three areas. Really great whiskey!

Sweet Heat! Very smooth. Thick texture that slowly runs down the glass. Amazing oak flavor. Drink NEAT ONLY

The nose on this is just incredible. Chocolate cake, figs and leather. Taste is tobacco, pronounced oak and a touch of ethanol. There is some cherry late in the finish. This is may be the best smelling whiskey. Update: Tasted next to FAE-02 and FAE-01 is the clear winner. See my review of FAE-02 for an in depth comparison. Revisited: Floral. Sweetness. Chocolate. A bit astringent.