Maker's Mark - A Notch Above the Rest

For those who like to stick to the classics but want something to take it a notch above the rest, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is the perfect offering. Made for the bourbon connoisseur, this liquid was first introduced in 2014 and the robust expression constitutes Maker’s Mark in its most pure form. While this may seem like a fairly recent addition to the Maker’s Mark family, in reality Cask Strength has always been at the core of every Maker’s Mark bourbon produced. Years before the brand decided to put this premium bourbon in a bottle, Maker's Mark Cask Strength served as the base to the original Maker's Mark. It is also used to create the foundation for today’s beloved Wood Finishing Series.

For years, Bill Samuels, Jr., (Chairman Emeritus and son of the founders) dismissed the idea of creating and selling a full-bodied, barrel-proof expression of Maker’s Mark despite the public’s pleas and growing desire for such an offering. Legend has it that after sharing samples of the Maker's Mark Cask Strength with his friends, Bill, Jr., had the realization that this expression should indeed become a mainstay in the Maker’s Mark product catalog. Today, Maker’s Mark has perfected the art of creating a bold Cask Strength expression to stand the test of time.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is for the imbiber who is looking for something with a striking flavor and a high proof. As an uncut expression, Cask Strength goes straight from the barrel to the bottle. The liquid is only screen filtered to remove wooden pieces and char that may have seeped in from the barreling process. Due to the unique way that the liquid develops within each barrel, the proof on Maker’s Mark Cask Strength will range from 108 to 114. The process behind bottling this expression wouldn’t work with just any old whisky, that’s why Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is well crafted with carefully selected ingredients and aged for a total of six years until it’s just right.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is designed to be bold, yet enjoyable; that is part of the reason the high-proof, barrel-strength version comes out with such a surprisingly smooth feel. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength intensifies the powerful notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, the signature tastes that are present in the classic Maker's Mark expressions. Take a breath in and find the aromas of big oak, vanilla and smoky charcoal. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength has a longer finish on the front of the tongue with minimal bitterness, making it a pleasant and warm sip. While the higher proof delivers a bold bourbon presence in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, we would recommend drinking this barrel-proof whisky neat or on the rocks, but one can never go wrong when it comes to Maker’s Mark.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength has an SRP of $49.99 and is available for purchase online or at select wine and spirits retailers.