It’s rather poetic that the release of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength has coincided with the induction of Margie Samuels into the Bourbon Hall Of Fame. Getting to taste the whiskey in it’s full powered un-cut version, like Margie and Bill would have when tasting it right out of the barrel is pretty awesome. The only thing better would be getting to taste it straight from the barrel in the warehouse itself.
In the marketing materials for it they say it’s like everything you love about Maker’s Mark but bolder and they’re completely correct, and completely wrong at the same time. Yes, it does taste like an amped up Maker’s Mark and all of those great flavors are there, but there’s more… much more. It’s deeper, it’s richer, rounder and more complex than the original. There are layers that don’t exist in the original and by slowly adding water you can peel back those layers and explore every inch of this whiskey and there’s definitely a lot to explore here.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Review
ABV: 56.6%
Age: 6ish yrs (aged till it’s ready)
Price: $40*
Distiller: Maker’s Mark
Mashbill: 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat & 14% malted barley
EYE
Rich caramel
NOSE
Bourbon spice, wood, caramel, ripe dark fruit and hints of citrus build up and mix with notes of toasted grains and vanilla. It’s a powerful and full nose that erupts with a splash of water. Baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove mix with rolling notes of butterscotch, rock candy and a lurking bit of peanut butter fudge.
TASTE
Caramel, toasted nuts, wood, citrus, dark fruit, toffee and molasses create a very appealing flavor that unfolds like reverse origami with a splash of water. Vanilla, corn, butter scotch, bruleed pastry, olde fashioned rock candy, cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, leather and toasted nuts nearly explode across the palate.
FINISH
Long and winding with notes of caramel, wood, citrus peel, raw grains, vanilla and corn that doesn’t change a whole lot with a splash of water.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Excellent balance of sweet, savory and earthy that’s perfectly complimented by a thick full body and a rich oily texture. For being 113.2 proof it has surprisingly little burn and is dangerously easy to drink.
OVERALL
I Love it. It’s the Maker’s Mark I want to drink everyday. It’s absolutely delightful at full strength and a dash of water causes it to explode and expose all the complex layers buried within this whiskey. The nose is full of powerful sweet, spicy and woody notes that translate well to the palate with the addition of some nutty notes and a nice pop of citrus. Cask strength + complex flavor and aroma = everything I want in a daily drinker.
SCORE: 92/100
*Disclosure: This was sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The opinions, views, notes and words are my own.
Hi Josh,
You’ve hit upon my favorite American drop … to date….
The only one to come close is the Turkey Rare Breed. Both have a fantastic mouthfeel . That’s the only way I can explain it.
It’s weird but I can’t stand the standard MM. then tried the 46 (on special). Very nice.
A few years ago whilst up in Melbourne browsing through Nicks wines with the missus I spotted it. Yep, on special but still almost triple the price of the std (40%abv) at$120 I jumped on it.
I almost rue the day I opened the bottle. I can’t source another.
But Gee it’s good. Couldn’t bring myself to add water. I thought it would spoil it.
thanks for the review.
AL
Cheers Allan, I hope you can find another at some point. It’s tasty stuff :)
Picked up a bottle tonight and oh my goodness what an amazing bourbon! This is going to be a regular bottle in my collection… it’s what I hoped Maker’s Mark would be when I first bought the regular bottle. Peanut butter fudge and vanilla… incredible incredible stuff!!
I love it. MM at CS is just astounding stuff! Cheers Jason!
OMG I just filed my 2017 taxes and celebrated by finishing this bottle. Every sip was awesome! Tomorrow will be interesting.
Ha, nice. Cheers Tony!
Absolutely wonderful neat! Delicious and complex. A new one on my short list.
I looked around and the best I could do was $61 for a 750ml. I opened it last night and had a couple of glasses on the rocks. While it was certainly well balanced and an easy drinker I felt that it was very subdued by the ice. I will have some tonight neat and see how it fares.
Cheers man!
Damn, another one on the to-try list. Standard MM has long been a regular drinker alongside Evan Williams 12, Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s (yeah I know it’s the same distillery), I.W. Harper & Old Granddad BOB, but has never genuinely blown me away. This sounds like it might really impress. Can’t wait to report back to the TWJ team…!
So a question – if I enjoy my bourbon on ice, does it make any sense to grab the cask strength? As my ice melts, aren’t I watering it down and then ending up with a pricey glass of regular Maker’s? Love the website – you’ve never steered me wrong!
Cheers Wayne, thanks! In my opinion the CS + Ice combo is always the way to go. It slowly loses its proof as the ice melts so it will change more as it melts. If you start with the standard 45% Makers you’re under 40% really quickly with ice.
Nice, looking forward to it!
Found a 375ml bottle today of that EXACT barrel/series that you reviewed in Fort Colllin’s, CO. It was the last bottle, and only $23. Couldn’t not buy it. It’s a lovely sip, much like I’d expected, enticing me to KY to try the 46 cask strength–
I feel like it’s kismet, what are the odds of finding a bottle of the 14-1 series?
Thought I’d let you know, and happy to send you some for old memories and bygone times.
Big love, and thanks for your work, it’s helped me choose through the years :)
Byron
Holy cow, that’s amazing. I was able to get myself another 375 of the same so I’m set for now, but thank you. Cheers Byron!
which way is better? chilled or room temp?
To each their own, but I like room temp because when you chill something like a whiskey it closes it off. It makes it tight and it’s not nearly as aromatic and almost always kills the aroma.
Just bought a 750ml bottle of this for $62 dollars (in central Iowa) based purely off of your recommendation. I’m not a huge fan of regular Makers -I find it perfectly mediocre- but none of your reviews over 90 have steered me wrong yet! I’ll post my thoughts whenever I get around to opening this.
Cheers!
Cheers Andrew. I hope you like it. I’ve picked up 2 bottles myself since writing this!
cheers josh
Yes. I have to echo the many sentiments of all other reviewers regarding the flavor profiles. Was never a ‘Makers Mark’ drinker, but I rolled the dice on this one and wow! I opened the bottle a few days ago and last night’s glass tasted better than the first. A great, even flavor, smooth taste and a wonderful finish that leaves that lingering warmth in your chest a moment. Full bodied. Excellent balance. I’ve tried a few different bourbons along the way and as of today MM Cask Strength, for the price and full flavor is on the top of my list.
Cheers!
I’m thinking that the wheat component is key here. This Cask Strength MM should be referenced against an up-scale, rye-based, cask-strength offering to showcase the difference the wheat makes. Once again, “Different strokes for different folks” (taste buds!)
I’m a Weller fan (try to find it in Mich.!) , so I’m biased toward wheat, I admit. Hat’s off to the Roses fans
and the Rye-guys, but this Maker’s Cask Strength is THE MOST FLAVORFUL, THOROUGHLY SIP-ABLE
BOURBON I’VE YET POURED !
Thanks for this review opportunity.
Bo
I sit on both sides of the fence and love me some Four Roses as much as I do some good Maker’s and you’re right. They’re different, but comparable. Cheers Bo!
Still new (ish) to whiskey, I’ve taken another of your reviews into consideration and bought a bottle of this Maker’s Cask Strength.
My bottle is noted as 111.4proof. And yes, it is dangerously easy to drink. *WT101 feels hotter than this.
The nose reminds me of my beer-drinking days (must be the citrus). Inviting and complex.
Nice balance of sweet and spicy/peppery. The finish is so clean, I really want another pour…
This is a great whiskey, worth the price. Maker’s Cask strength just made the “keep on hand” list (along with Four Roses SB and Buffalo Trace).
Thanks, Josh, another dead-on review.
Thanks Amy, glad you enjoyed it. You’ve inspired me to go and pour a glass myself.
Cheers!
Liquid candy! Rich, and spicy with a long velvety finish. Seductive Beast .
I was finally able to get a bottle of this today and damn is this stuff great. I have been a fan of Makers for a long time and 46 is unequivocally my favorite bourbon. Cask Strength turns up the volume to 11 and in my fairest of opinions is the best bourbon I’ve ever had.
I tried a little sip immediately upon opening the bottle, you immediately sense the intensity and richness of flavor. I poured a double with one big ice cube and let it sit for 5. Took another sip and it was still quite raw, another cube and another 5 minutes. I came to thoroughly enjoy the rest from here.
Josh’s review was spot on, I can’t add much other than to reverberate the thought that this is truly a special whiskey and so worthwhile to have if your able to obtain a bottle.
Cheers!
My local (Chicago) Costco is carrying fifths (750ml) for $50.
Damn, that’s a great price. They’re $70 around here.
Just picked up a 750 ml bottle this morning for $60.
Wonderful bourbon indeed!
That’s awesome. I need to go and get one of those 750s of it. I just have an extra of the 375s
Cheers!
I was fooled on the price. They only make it in 375ml, and it’s $35 a bottle. The same size bottle of regular Maker’s Mark is less than half that amount. Twice the price for a little less water, no thanks.
TO each their own, but this is miles above regular Makers. Maybe try it at a bar first and see how you feel about it. For me I loved it and bought 2 bottles.
Not to shill our own site, but we have an ample supply of them at $40 a piece.
http://dewinespot.co/collections/spirits/products/makers-mark-bourbon-cask-strength
Looking forward to trying this one. I’m not a huge Makers fan in general, but I’m looking forward to giving this one a go.
Its’ a VAST improvement over the regular Maker’s (which I do like). All my whiskey friends who don’t normally like Maker’s loved this. Once you try it let me know, would love to see your thoughts on it.
Great review. Love the peanut butter fudge tasting note. Just started seeing this stuff around NYC for 40 a bottle. Picked one up and love it so far. Loads of cinnamon and incredibly smooth for a cask strength bottling. I did a short write up of the bottle as well, so it was interesting to compare tasting notes to yours!
http://www.cultureglaze.com/2014/11/11/bourbon-review-makers-mark-cask-strength/
Hey Casey,
Thank you and thanks for the link. It was indeed fun to compare notes.
Cheers!