Review #: 388
Description: Maker’s Mark Finishing Series FAE-01
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Maker’s Mark has started releasing yearly special editions of their own stave-finishing bourbons. FAE-01 was the first of 2021 and was finished using 10 Virgin Toasted American Oak staves. This is essentially their own take on their private select releases, but have actually hit the shelves at a slightly lower price point around $60. Let’s see how it tastes
Distillery – Maker’s Mark
Bottler – Maker’s Mark
Brand – Maker’s Mark
Selection – N/A
ABV – 55.3%
Age – NAS
Nose – Lots of toasted oak coming through, baking spices, cinnamon stick, light but sweet cherry, freshly baked dinner rolls, spicy tobacco, cooked green apple
Taste – Crusty bread, butterscotch, vanilla icing, caramel apple
Finish – Chocolate malt balls, cherry syrup. Toasted oak and spice really ramp up. Almost a bit too much. Drinks a bit hot and a bit tacky on the mouth.
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: I’m a little disappointed in myself that through 130+ bourbon reviews, I don’t think I’ve had a MMPS review, so I can’t really compare this to what others might select, but from the distillery this is really nice. 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 like what Maker’s are doing and hope they keep it up.