Maker's Mark Cask Strength Batch 22-02 | Bourbon Review
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker's Mark
Proof: 110.7
Mash bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Age: NAS but probably around 6-7 years old
MSRP: $55
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Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes
Color: Amber
Nose: Rich desert-like vanilla, caramel, oak, dark cherries
Palate: Caramelized sugar, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, pepper, rich oak
Finish: Warm and long, vanilla and oak
Feel: rich and velvety
See below for an in-depth review.
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I use the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass for all my tastings. They are both great for nosing and help discern more subtle notes.
In-Depth Review of Maker's Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Batch 22-02
The History Behind the Whiskey
Maker's Mark, founded by Bill Samuels Sr. in Loretto, Kentucky, in 1953, is a distillery with a story as smooth as its whiskey. Bill Sr. set out to create a bourbon that was approachable and easy to drink, breaking away from the harsh, rye-heavy bourbons of the time. He famously burned the family’s 170-year-old recipe and started fresh, opting for a mash bill that replaced rye with soft red winter wheat, which gave Maker’s Mark its signature smoothness.
The distillery is known for its meticulous, hands-on approach. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in that iconic red wax, a tradition that started with Bill Sr.'s wife, Margie Samuels, who also designed the bottle’s distinctive label and shape. The Samuels family still owns Maker’s Mark, and their commitment to quality and tradition remains unwavering.
The Cask Strength variant takes the original Maker's Mark recipe and bottles it without any dilution, straight from the barrel. This is as close as you can get to tasting bourbon straight from the cask at the distillery. The proof can vary from batch to batch, usually hovering between 108 and 114 proof, but it always delivers a robust, flavorful experience that showcases the rich, sweet, and spicy profile Maker’s Mark is known for.
Nose
As soon as you crack open the bottle, the aromas come out swinging. There’s a rich bouquet of caramel, vanilla, and oak—basically a dessert in a glass. A little swirl brings out a dash of cinnamon spice and a hint of dark fruit, like cherries or plums. It’s warm and inviting, with a nose that promises a punch of flavor.
Palate
And boy, does it deliver. The first sip greets you with that classic Maker's Mark sweetness—think caramelized sugar and vanilla cream—but this one’s turned up to eleven. The wheat in the mash bill keeps it smooth and round, but the cask strength adds a bold intensity. There’s a nice wave of spice, too, with cinnamon and a bit of pepper, balanced by rich oak and a touch of dark chocolate. It’s like biting into a spiced caramel candy, if that candy had a fiery kick.
Finish
The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. That spice lingers, along with a comforting vanilla oakiness that doesn’t quit. There’s a slight nuttiness that sneaks in at the end, like toasted almonds. It’s the kind of finish that makes you want to sit back and savor it—no rush, just let it unfold.
Feel
The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, coating the palate with a smooth, luxurious texture. It’s full-bodied without being overwhelming, leaving a warm, satisfying presence that lingers.
Overall
Fool Proof Rating: 87%. Maker's Mark Cask Strength takes everything you love about the original and cranks it up. It’s rich, complex, and packs a deliciously spicy punch without sacrificing that trademark smoothness. A must-try for fans of high-proof bourbons.
Check out my review of Blanton's Gold Edition
Check out my review of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel here.
Check out my review of Eagle Rare 17 Year here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Check out my review of Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
I would love to hear from you! Please drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.
Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.
Tags: wheated bourbon, wheated mash bill
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