Maker's Mark – Cask Strength Bourbon 2023 (75cl, 55.5%)

A 2023 release of Maker's Mark wheated bourbon, bottled at cask strength, 55.5% ABV, in a 75cl bottle. It comes straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. That strength sits well above the standard 90 proof bottling, and the soft wheat character is joined by more concentrated vanilla, oak and baking spice. The nose is heavily toasted oak, dark caramel, vanilla bean and a touch of sweet tobacco. On the palate it is thick and rich, with brown sugar, vanilla cream and dark cherry set against warming cinnamon. The finish is very long, with sweet caramel and seasoned oak.