There is nothing more iconic in bourbon, maybe even all spirits, than the Maker’s Mark red wax. Everybody knows when they see the dripping red on top of a bottle that its Maker’s Mark. Maker’s is a wheated bourbon that uses a 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley recipe. Wheated bourbons usually have notes of fruit, caramel, butterscotch and vanilla that make them a great introductory bourbon for beginners. Examples of other wheated bourbons are Pappy van Winkle, Old Rip van Winkle, Weller, Old Fitzgerald and Larceny. Standard Maker’s Mark is aged to taste which is normally 6-7 years and is 90 proof (45% ABV).
The bottle I am about to review is a special single barrel, cask strength version of Maker’s Mark that has also had special flavoring staves added to the finishing process to impart extra flavors to the bourbon. These single barrels are 5 3/4 to 7 years old plus an extra 9 weeks with 10 custom finishing staves placed into the barrel. There are five different options of toasted wood staves to help the privately selected barrel to reach a desired flavor profile. Considering all the combinations, there are 1,001 different possibilities! The staves and flavor profiles are as follows.
| Baked American Pure (P2) | American oak that adds notes of brown sugar, vanilla, caramel and spice. |
| Seared French Cuvee (Cu) | Ridge-cut, infrared seared French oak that imparts toasty oak and caramel. |
| Marker’s Mark 46 (46) | Seared French Oak adds notes of dried fruit, vanilla and spice. |
| Roasted French Mendiant (Mn) | French oak (low heat) that delivers subtle notes of milk chocolate, nuts and dried dark fruit. |
| Toasted French Spice (Sp) | Toasted French oak (high then low heat) imparts flavors of smoke, coumarin and spice. |
The particular barrel was selected by Cox’s and Evergreen Liquors in Louisville, Kentucky. This bottle was finished with 4 Seared French Cuvee, 3 Roasted French Mendiant, 2 Baked American Pure and 1 Maker’s Mark 46. Just knowing that I would think this bottle will be oaky, sweet with a touch of spice. Poured neat in a glencairn and rested for ~10 minutes. MSRP is around $75.
Color – Light copper
Aroma – Sweetness hits hard with butterscotch and caramel reminding me of the inside of a candy bar. Hints of vanilla and baking spices follow the heavy hitting sweet notes.
Taste – The sweetness comes through first with hints of butterscotch and caramel. I didn’t get coffee or chocolate notes on the nose but they are present here. I was expecting more of the roasted French mocha on the nose but it hits the palate nicely. Great oily mouthfeel. Once wheated bourbons gets some age on them their mouthfeel gets better and better.
Finish – Short finish on the palate and extends into the chest but not long enough. This may speak to the medium proof range of this offering.
Rating – 7.0/10
Makers Mark Private Selections are fairly easy to find in my area and are often overlooked. Most finished bourbons I have had are young and trying to hide youth with a finish. This bottle has the Maker’s backbone, bottled at cask strength with some solid finishing staves. I thoroughly enjoyed this pour and would consider finding another bottle. I don’t drink Makers a lot but I probably should. This bottle is well above average and can contend with some solid pours that are harder to find and allocated. This pick is a solid 7/10. Would love to hear experiences that others have had with Marker’s Mark Private Selection picks!
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect
Debonair Gentlemen 
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