Review #2597 – Makers Mark 2024 The Hearts Release

The Schtick: Produced using 10 Virgin French Oak Staves, this release from Makers Mark is the entry into the Wood Finishing Series following BEP (Barrel Entry Proof) and released in 2024. Two bourbons were finished with these staves, one for about 5 weeks and the second for about 9 weeks. They were then blended and bottled at 55.35% ABV for this release. Let’s dive in.

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Review #2597 | Bourbon Review #1125

Distiller: Makers Mark

Bottler: Makers Mark

Brand: Makers Mark

Selection: None – General LTO Release

ABV: 55.35% ABV

Age: NAS

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Nose: Peppery and hot, this release is creamy and flush with notes like coffee, toffee, espresso and a touch of pepper. It’s a touch hot with the proof shining a bit.

Taste: Moderate on the palate, grows richer with a few moments rest. There’s lots of pepper, rich wood and tobacco, oaky and dry. There’s a good deal of cocoa, espresso, dig, dark cherry, heavy pepper and clove. This feels a good step darker and richer than the standard, sweetness forward Maker’s Releases. The coffee note is especially new.

Finish: Long finish. There’s more of the same, all good, of course. Pleasant pepper, toffee, clove, spicy woody notes and more espresso.

Overall: Overall, this is pretty unique. If you’ve always wished Maker’s Mark had a darker, more savory undertow of notes, this is absolutely going to be up your alley.

Thanks for reading!

Rank: 7

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