Maker's Mark (37.5cl, 45%)

Maker's Mark is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon from the distillery in Loretto, bottled at 45% in a 37.5cl half-bottle. It carries no age statement; each batch is aged to taste. The mashbill is 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley, with wheat used in place of the rye found in most bourbons. Small batches of about 20 barrels are made at a time, and every barrel is rotated by hand between warehouse levels during ageing. The nose brings caramel, brown sugar, pear and baked apple. The palate is soft and sweet, with orchard fruit, candied pecans and butterscotch. The finish is medium, moving from sweetness to barrel char, black pepper and mild tannins.