Maker's Mark – Private Select Oak Stave Selection by Kirsch Import (70cl, 53.8%)

This is a Kentucky bourbon from Maker's Mark, a Private Select bottling chosen by Kirsch Import as an Oak Stave Selection. It is bottled at a cask strength of 53.75% ABV in a 70cl bottle, and is natural colour and non-chill-filtered. The bourbon was matured in oak casks with oak finishing staves. An earlier Kirsch selection went out with a letter missing from the company name on the label. The nose is soft and spicy with caramel, coffee toffee and a hint of cherry lollipops. The palate is full and spicy-sweet with liquorice and vanilla, and the long finish carries caramel sweets and cherry lollipops.