( Reposted because.. much to my dismay I accidentally deleted this review while trying to modify it in the Distiller app ) Introduction: Many years ago, one of the first bottles of bourbon I ever bought myself was Maker’s Mark — and it’s been a staple for me ever since. I’ve collected every Wood Finishing Series release and every Cellar Aged bottle without missing a beat. So imagine my surprise walking through my favorite local bottle shop and spotting a bottle I’d never even heard of: the Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series. No website announcement. No social media posts. Nothing. Somehow, I completely missed Edition 1 and am only now catching up with Edition 2. This release comes in at 55.45% ABV (110 proof) and uses the Archived French Mocha Stave. With its profile and proof, this bottle looked promising — and I was eager to dive in. Nose: The dominant note is rich, dark, overripened cherry, supported by Maker’s signature vanilla. Dark chocolate naturally follows, matching the mocha stave. An earthy, herbaceous spice — closest to clove — adds depth. Deeper nosing reveals a sweet, dark “mocha latte” character: coffee, cream, mocha, and caramel drizzle. Sweet, layered, but not cloying. Taste: The palate opens luxuriously, like chocolate-covered cherries or dark, overripened cherries draped in creamy melted dark chocolate. It’s decadent and rich without becoming heavy. By mid-palate, vanilla enters smoothly, lifting the flavor and adding creaminess. Toward the back, the profile dries slightly with tannic oak and a hint of herbaceous, rye-like spice. The mocha stave reappears as bittersweet dark cocoa powder, contrasting the creamy chocolate from the front. Finish: The finish begins with a burst of tongue-tingling cinnamon — the first true baking spice note in the entire pour. Dark cocoa powder carries through strongly, supported by tannic oak and a faint leather note. As the finish fades, a final flash of bittersweet stewed cherry emerges — a perfect echo of the palate’s opening. Long, structured, and incredibly satisfying. Conclusion: This is one of the most memorable Maker’s Mark releases I’ve ever tasted — and easily one of the most compelling bourbons I’ve had in recent memory. It shows remarkable depth, complexity, and balance for its 110-proof point. Not as hot as any Maker’s cask strength release, but honestly, this proof feels perfect: full of character without overwhelming heat. If Edition 1 is anything like this, the Lost Recipe Series is going to be a must-follow line. If you see Edition 2 at retail, don’t hesitate. Buy it. You won’t regret it. It’s sweet, tannic, chocolate-laden, dark, layered, and beautifully composed — a standout bourbon well worth the money.