Review #451 - Maker's Mark Cask Strength Batch 20-05
Maker's Mark's Cask strength - this is a wheated bourbon bottled at barrel proof, meaning no water is added after the whisky is dumped from the cask. Even though no water is added, these Cask Strength releases from the distillery generally sit between the 54% ABV and 57% ABV marks - this is because Maker's Mark starts with a lower barrel entry proof, generally the 110 proof point.
Our review today focuses on the 5th batch of Maker's Cask Strength from 2020, aptly named 20-05. The barrel proof in this case was 54.35% ABV (108.7 proof). The mashbill used consists of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley; that wheat component is one of the main reasons that Maker's Mark is known to be a softer, sweeter bourbon.
Like most of their releases, Maker's Mark doesn't give us an age statement on these Cask Strength bottles; instead of aiming for a certain number of years of maturation, they age to a certain flavor profile. What we do know is the price - this sits between $35 and $40 in our market, which, at first glance, seems like a bargain for a cask strength bourbon from a heritage distillery.
Maker's Mark Cask Strength Batch 20-05
USA - Bourbon
Current Locally Available Price: USD 38 (2024)
Age Statement: NAS
Strength: 54.35% ABV
Details: Bottled 2020
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time; bottle 100% fill level at time of review. Tasted in a nosing glass, rested 10-15 minutes
Nose: Dark molasses and spicy oak combine for an intense start; there are more subtle hints of cherry and rose petals hidden behind. Oak isn't too strong, but we get a soft leather note; the nose grows more mellow, and brown sugar adds another layer of sweetness.
Palate: Surprisingly mellow for the strength; the oak is adding a bit of spice, along with some cinnamon, but we also get sweet wheat grain and a bit of vanilla. Licorice and anise at the back of the palate add more spice; it has a medium-thick mouthfeel.
Finish: Soft, light notes: vanilla, linen, mellow oak. It's a mix of sweet and dry flavors, with tannins and a bit of black pepper adding the kick. The finish has a medium length.
Final Note: This is a nice, balanced bourbon with a moderately high proof - it won't blow you away with its strength, but the bump in ABV does allow the flavors to be more concentrated. The flavors are a little simple, but they're pleasant all the time.
Value is excellent - this is well worth the price they're charging. If you're looking to level up your experience from entry level bourbons in the 40% to 45% strength range, but you don't want to spend too much more money, this is a great place to start.
Our Average Rating: 6.8 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 8.03
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
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