Maker’s Mark Private Selection Review

All Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrels start life as a single cask of fully matured Maker’s Mark. Then, when a store wants their own barrel, Maker’s Mark adds 10 additional staves to finish the whiskey and customize it for the store. For those 10 staves there are 5 different “flavor profiles”, and 1,001 possible combinations, to choose from which makes each barrel unique and distinct.

For this specific barrel PlumpJack chose 8 Maker’s 46 Staves, 1 Roasted French Mocha stave and 1 Toasted French Spice stave. Aged for a total of 5 years and 3 month and bottled at cask strength (111.2 proof) it’s a unique and interesting whisky we’re going to dig into right about… now.

Maker’s Mark Private Selection Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In PlumpJack’s Words: Maker’s Mark Private Selection

“Nose: Lots of intense aromas of dark caramel, vanilla, mocha, vanilla and oak. The second visit presents the array of baking spices complimented by memories of chocolate and burnt orange peels.
Palate: Big bold and intense with a powerful mid palate spice. Lots of caramel, chocolate and toffee with clove, all spice and cinnamon more vanilla.
Finish: Finish is long and consistent with the flavors on the palate.”

Maker’s Mark Private Selection price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Maker’s Mark
Bottled For: PlumpJack Wine and Spirits
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak + 10 staves for finishing
Age: 5 Years 3 Months
ABV: 55.6%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $80

Maker’s Mark Private Selection Tasting Notes

EYE
Copper

NOSE
Caramel, oak, toffee, roasted grain, dried dark fruit, citrus, cinnamon and a touch of grass and roses.

PALATE
Caramel, oak, nuts, cherry heavy dark fruit, grain, cinnamon, clove, char and some brown sugar.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, caramel, spice and dark fruit.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, full body and a warm oily feel.

Maker’s Mark Private Selection Review: OVERALL

This Maker’s Mark Private Select is a good pick by the folks at PlumpJack. It’s oaky, it’s sweet, it’s full and rich and it has a decent complexity and depth to it. I like what’s happening in my glass and in my nose and in my mouth; I have very few complaints about it as a whole. Another point in my argument that Maker’s Mark is best when served at full cask strength.

SCORE: 87/100 (B+)

Thanks to Josh for the sample