Maker’s Mark 2021 FAE-01 Limited Release

• DISTILLERY – Maker’s Mark
• REGION – Loretto, KY
• AGE – NAS
• STRENGTH – 55.3% (110.6 Proof)
• MASHBILL – 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
• MSRP – $60

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GLANCE

Viscous with a dark amber color

NOSE

Very earthy tones with freshly polished leather and rich oakiness. The oakiness reminded me of freshly sawed of wood. Then there was fruits such as fresh peaches and apricots. There was also nice floral aromas coming out as well.

TASTE

The first note I got was molasses with rose syrup mixed in. Then the rich oakiness with baking spices come through. Towards the middle and the end I got notes of stewed fruits and strawberry jam notes.

FINISH

It is long with a nice Kentucky hug with dryness and baking spices

CLOSING REMARKS

The experimentation that Maker’s Marks does with their different stave profiles has been popular to come under scrutiny and admired by whiskey aficionados alike. I for one am thrilled about Maker’s Mark innovative mindset and experiment with techniques to bring out unique expressions. The great thing is that their attempt at bringing out the different expressions works. As I have tasted their 2020 release which focused on bringing out the caramel and vanilla flavors to the forefront. The FAE-01 2021 release is reminiscent of the 2019 release where the attention was given on bringing the fruit flavors forward. For the FAE-01 2021 they seared just one side of the stave. This way the bourbon had chance to interact with parts of the barrel that were seared and not seared. This is what allowed for the fruitiness of the bourbon to come out but while retaining the notes of rich oak and tobacco. I was definitely able to pick up on the fruit notes but it wasn’t rich stewed fruit and jam. Not sure if they wanted the fruit to be amplified further or this is what they wanted. Personally for my palate I love rich stewed fruit flavors in my whiskey but it is a well balanced product and always a great pour. Cheers!

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