Created by Maker's Mark to express "a fruit-forward expression with notes of tobacco and wood" (Maker's Mark), 2021 Limited Release FAE-01 is meant to evoke memories of standing in their rickhouses and smelling the essence of all those maturing barrels. Produced using 10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves, and bottled at 55.3% ABV.
A lot of character behind it, the staves have an impact but aren’t overpowering, and a solid value for a limited release that isn’t impossible to get your hands on.
I think a lot of whiskey can sometimes get the reputation that it’s only for winter, stormy conditions, in front of a fire. This is lovely enough to not need that. I mean, sure, you could and why not, but you don’t have to shelve this when you bring out the seersucker and the white pants, you know?
It’s not revolutionary, but perhaps a window into what Maker’s could be. Some may find this stave finishing gimmicky or in a way, artificial, but in the end, it is a solid drinker and brings a unique sip to your glass.
Overall, this experience doesn’t offer nearly the excitement of 2020’s limited release (which landed a spot as one of our top whiskeys of the year), but it’s unique enough to merit tasting at least once.
A lot of fun to drink, Maker's Mark FAE-01 opens up beautifully as you work through a glass of the new Limited Edition. Each sip leaves me wishing I was back on premise at distilleries in the wake of COVID, and the particular transition from big cocoa and cream on the nose to oak, tobacco and fruit on the palate is greatly enticing.
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House Review
Nose:
Rich and creamy on the nose - not immediately fruity. Tons of sweet butter cream, cocoa, honey, pralines and a big tobacco character.
Taste:
Rich on the palate. Quite a bit of cream, tobacco and some pepper here, and the fruits show themselves off at last. Blackberry, a hint of cherry. Lots of cream, toffee, a hint of pepper.
Finish:
Long finish. Plenty of sweet dessert notes that pair really well with some demanding oak, and a further hint of cherry and cordial candies.
Overall:
A lot of fun to drink, Maker's Mark FAE-01 opens up beautifully as you work through a glass of the new Limited Edition. Each sip leaves me wishing I was back on premise at distilleries in the wake of COVID, and the particular transition from big cocoa and cream on the nose to oak, tobacco and fruit on the palate is greatly enticing.
Score:
88
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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