Maker's Mark Bourbon (20cl, 45%)

Maker's Mark is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 45% in a 200ml bottle. The mashbill is 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley, with wheat taking the place of the rye found in most bourbons. Barrels are moved during ageing from the warmer upper floors of the rickhouse to the cooler lower floors, which evens out their exposure to temperature. There is no age statement: each batch is bottled when the tasters judge the flavour is ready, typically at around six years. The nose is warm caramel and vanilla with toasted oak, baked wheat and brown sugar. The palate is sweet, with caramel, butterscotch, dark cherry and light cinnamon. The finish is medium, creamy and gently spiced.