Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 FAE-01

Sweet, spicy, and fruity smell. Little burn on the nose. Full bold baked apple flavor to start finished with oak and char. Reminds me of a lesser proof Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B520.

Just not a fan. The initial flavor seems promising but then it fades quickly.

This is good! Vanilla, brown sugar and a touch of tobacco on the nose. Sweet red fruits on the palate. Super smooth for the proof. Finish with a hug, sweet oak and baking spices. Buy it if you can find it.

Killer bottle. Absolutely love this. Consistent from nose to finish - it's an oak spice red fruit bomb, front to back. I'd say cherry bomb, but I believe the fruit is a mix of strawberry, raspberry and cherry mixed with a beautiful oak spice. Incredibly well balanced and seamless. I was very excited about the 2020 special release, but it was a bit harsher and needed some oxygen to reveal itself. This is just flat out great five minutes after opening the bottle and for my tastes it greatly exceeds the 2020. This is an instant re-buy and if I can score some at $55-60 I'll definitely buy a couple backups. This initial one cost me $70 which I don't regret at all. Final note is just about comparisons and class levels. I also bought an Issac Bowman Port Finish today and started off with it. It is winey, and bit astringent, and frankly you can taste the seams on it. Granted, it costs half of what this Makers costs. But following that Bowman with this Makers was revealing. In an ideal world, you get what you pay for. This 2021 Limited Release completely outclasses the Bowman and shows you what a great bourbon can deliver. A very dramatic difference. Highly recommended.