Review #465; Bourbon #113: Maker’s Mark Private Select “OHLQ Honeysuckle”

This is a Private Select bottled for the State of Ohio from Makers Mark. The stave Combination was 4 Baked American Pure, 1 Seared French Cuvee, 1 Makers 46, and 4 Toasted French Spice. Let’s see how it turned out. I tried this blind and was then revealed the bottle, so keep that in mind while reading my notes.

ABV: 56.35%

Nose: Oak Spice, tobacco leaf, slight funk, Sight Earthiness.

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, dark chocolate, oak spice, nutmeg, vanilla,

Finish: Medium length finish. Warm. Oak spice, chocolate, vanilla cream

Rating: 7/10

This is interesting. The nose is a bit lackluster, and then you drink it and there is an explosion of flavor between the palate and the finish, with that finish lingering on that oaky dark chocolate note for a while.

Guess: This is a bourbon, aged 11-14 years old, 60-62% abv. Knob Creek Single Barrel?

Reveal: Makers Mark Private Select Honeysuckle

Well off a bit on this one, but overall a good whisky. I haven’t had very many of these Private Selects but the ones I have drank have turned out to be really good. The depth and complexity of flavor these stave finishes add to the bourbon continue to impress me.

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