Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 54.35% 700ml

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength at 54.35% ABV is a bold, barrel-proof expression of Kentucky’s iconic wheated bourbon, delivering uncut intensity alongside the distillery’s signature smoothness. Bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, this cask strength release retains all the richness and character that made Maker’s Mark a household name, amplified to its most concentrated form.

Produced at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, this bourbon is crafted using the brand’s distinctive soft red winter wheat recipe in place of the traditional rye. The lower barrel entry proof—typically around 110—results in cask strength releases that naturally fall between 54% and 57% ABV, creating a more approachable high-proof bourbon compared to many contemporary offerings.

Nose: Honeyed fruit leads the way, underpinned by sweet corn and toasted oak. Rich cherry spice mingles with creamy dessert notes, alongside whispers of toffee and vanilla that beckon you closer.

Palate: Ripe pears emerge first, quickly joined by light caramel and brown sugar, with a touch of dark cherry adding depth. The wheated mash bill lends a velvety texture that carries the proof with surprising grace, layering warm baking spice throughout.

Finish: The finish turns increasingly dry and warming, with black pepper and oak tannins building in intensity. Lingering notes of cherry spice and toasted wood persist well after the sip.

Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full barrel-proof character, though a few drops of water can open up additional layers of complexity. This is an excellent pour for bourbon enthusiasts seeking the authentic flavour of uncut whiskey, or as a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate craft spirits at their purest.

Punching well above its price point for a cask strength bourbon from a heritage distillery, this expression offers a bold yet accessible entry into barrel-proof territory for serious whiskey drinkers.