Review #664; Bourbon #147: Maker’s Mark FAE-01

This is from Makers Mark wood finishing series. This batch was made with American Oak staves that were charred on one side and left raw on the other side before finishing in the bourbon. Let’s see how it stands out.

ABV: 55.3%

Nose: Black Pepper, Tobacco leaf, Caramel, Honey, Sawdust,

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, black pepper, heavy tannins, tobacco leaf, caramel, honey,

Finish: Medium length finish. Pop of tannins, black pepper, honey, caramel, tobacco leaf, slight dark chocolate.

Rating: 4/10

I can see why people would like this, but the oak is too much for me. The sawdust and tannic notes overpower the other notes in a way that makes it unenjoyable for me. I poured some other bourbon I have (an older Knob Creek pick) to make sure I wasn’t having an off night and this one is just not for me. In the MM wood finishing series the RC6 performed way better for me. If you are a fiend of oak you will love this but for the more oak sensitive out there steer clear.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect