Swahili1
Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 FAE-01
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
February 8, 2022 (edited October 24, 2022)
Nose- vanilla pudding and oak abound. There is some darker berries in the background and perhaps currants.
Palate- the texture is creamy/butter. There is a sweet corn on the cob taste on entry that quickly transitions to the vanilla pudding I get on the nose. I also get vanilla wafer and red fruit towards the end, all coated in gooey caramel sauce. This reminds me of bread pudding. It then transitions to a bit of cola-like finish. Plenty of wood to go along but in a nice down home way.
Finish- Long and even with no bite, but enough backbone to let you know there is some alcohol here. It is oaky and sweet, then goes out on a bit of cherry cola. It makes me feel warm and content.
Overall- This is a winner of a bourbon! The nose and texture are excellent. Traditional bourbon flavors amped up to 11 is what I get. Some may kick it in the butt for lacking complexity, but sometimes what is showcased is the ability to just let the bourbon do the talking in a traditional way. I think the stave selection adds much creaminess to the texture, and a bit of dryness on the way out vs. regular Maker's Mark at cask strength. Definitely recommend this one. It is one of the limited bottles that will not cost a secondary arm and leg if that is your only means to get it, but will outshine bottles you might pay triple for.
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I have to agree with your notes. This one gives OWA 107 a run for its (ridiculous secondary) money. Aside from Larceny barre proof (almost a unicorn itself - more like a donkey with a horn) this is my favorite wheater.
I normally find it just solid, wheated, traditional bourbon similar to how I view the Weller lineup sans WLW. But these wood series endeavors really add an extra layer. I have a bottle of FAE-02 and really want to compare them side by side and blind. layer@PBMichiganWolverine
@Swahili1 I was never a fan of Maker’s , but this one won me over . Really enjoyed it. I’ve not tried FAE02 yet, but I’ve heard it was even better ?