Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (Batch 24-04), 55.75%

Introduction

Maker’s Mark is one of the most beloved and recognised bourbon producers in Kentucky, USA, founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr. with a vision of crafting a smoother and more approachable bourbon. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is the distillery’s most uncompromising expression – a whisky bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, intensifying all the signature flavour notes that Maker’s Mark is famous for.

Production Method

• Ingredients: Produced using Maker’s Mark’s distinctive mash bill, which contains corn, malted barley and red winter wheat in place of rye – a deliberate choice that gives this bourbon its well-known smooth and rounded character. The wheat is sourced from carefully selected suppliers to ensure consistent quality.
• Distillation Process: Distilled in copper pot stills at the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, and brought down to a fill strength that preserves the natural flavours of the raw ingredients. Batch 24-04 is bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, resulting in an ABV of 55.75%.
• Maturation: Aged in new, charred American oak barrels (char #3) in Maker’s Mark’s signature rotating warehouses, where the barrels are continuously moved to ensure even maturation in Kentucky’s variable climate.
• Special Techniques: Maker’s Mark is renowned for hand-dipping each bottle in its iconic red wax, but in terms of production, the Cask Strength expression sets itself apart by being non-diluted and non-chill filtered, preserving the full depth of flavour compounds from the barrel.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and inviting aromas of dark cherry, caramel and warm vanilla, complemented by notes of toasted oak and a subtle sweetness from the wheat in the mash bill.
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense, with prominent notes of salted caramel, dark cherry and abundant warm vanilla. Toasted oak adds depth and complexity, while the high ABV significantly amplifies the familiar signature flavour notes.
• Finish: Long and harmonious, with notes of dark chocolate and soft spice that slowly fade, leaving a warm and pleasant warmth on the palate.

Serving Suggestions

• Serving Temperature: Room temperature (approx. 18–20°C) is recommended to experience the full complexity. A single ice sphere can also be used to tame the strength and gradually open up the aromas.
• Glassware: A Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped whisky glass is recommended, as the shape concentrates the aromas and highlights the depth and nuance of the bouquet.
• Serving Ideas: Enjoy neat for the most authentic Cask Strength experience. A few drops of cold water can be added to open the whisky further and temper the alcohol slightly, which may bring out the fruity and sweet notes.
• Food Pairings: Pairs excellently with dark chocolate (70%+), aged cheeses such as cheddar or gouda, salted caramels, and smoked or grilled meats. The sweet, fruity profile also complements desserts based on berries and cherries.

Product Specifications

• ABV: 55.75% (Batch 24-04)
• Bottle Size: 700 ml
• Country/Region of Origin: USA, Loretto, Kentucky – produced at the Maker’s Mark Distillery
• Certifications/Awards: The Maker’s Mark Distillery is a historic landmark in Kentucky and one of the most recognised bourbon producers in the world. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength has received high ratings from international whisky magazines and critics for its authentic and intense interpretation of the distillery’s signature profile.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Batch 24-04 represents the most intense and unadulterated expression of one of the world’s most beloved bourbon distilleries – a whisky that elevates everything Maker’s Mark is famous for to a new level of complexity and depth.

As a batch-release expression, Cask Strength is produced in limited quantities, and each batch is unique in its ABV and flavour profile, making this particular Batch 24-04 a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Maker’s Mark Distillery has for decades been recognised as one of the most influential bourbon producers in Kentucky, and the Cask Strength series stands as proof that the masters behind the iconic red wax continue to practise their craft at the highest level.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength has built a dedicated following of fans and connoisseurs around the world, who return to this series batch after batch for its consistent quality and the unique opportunity to experience the bourbon in its most raw and authentic form.

Once you have experienced the depth and intensity of a cask strength bourbon from Maker’s Mark, it is hard to imagine going back to a diluted version – which is precisely why this series has become a firm favourite among the most discerning whisky enthusiasts.

International whisky experts and publications consistently highlight Maker’s Mark Cask Strength for its remarkable balance between strength and elegance – a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve at such high ABVs.

From Maker’s Mark Distillery to You

Behind every bottle of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength lies generations of dedication, passion and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship – a legacy the distillery shares with you through every single batch they release.

Maker’s Mark is a distillery with soul, character and a recognisability that makes them one of the most approachable and endearing producers in the bourbon world – whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned whisky lover.

Seize the opportunity to experience Batch 24-04 before it is gone, and become part of the global community of Maker’s Mark enthusiasts who share a love for one of Kentucky’s most iconic bourbons in its strongest and most uncompromising form.