Each month, Flight Club selects a club-endorsed “Pick of the Month.” The parameters on the Pick of the Month are (a) locally available in Wichita, Kansas (b) under $40 and (c) something believed to be a good value or limited availability at the moment. We invite everyone (Club members or not) to break open a bottle and provide comment and feedback.
On certain occasions, we find local deals that are too good to pass up. This month, we present such a deal, albeit one that many of our Club members were able to sample at our January Maker’s Mark tasting.
This bottle originally MSRP’ed for more than $60, a price that we might all agree is too high. At our now current local price of less than $35, we think it is a winner that should be added to your collection.
We encourage everyone to pick up a bottle and give us your thoughts.
Bottle: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Age: Not age stated, but believed to be around 6 years old.
Mash Bill: 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% barley.
Proof: 110.4 (varies)
Location: Available around town, but currently available at Plaza Wine and Spirits at 1425 N. Webb Road in Wichita for under $35 for a 750 ml bottle.
We said before during our monthly reviews, this is a fuller version of regular Maker’s Mark. But it actually has a bit more of its own identity.
On the nose, palate and finish, I get much more dark fruit and nut than I once did. The sugar sweetness is deep, almost like a dark brown sugar or molasses.
Its “fault,” if any, is how hot it drinks, even at a relatively low cask strength proof.
Although I first had some reservations, I’ve come tor really enjoy this bottle.
Nose: Carmel, vanilla & brown sugar. Sweet but hot
Pallet: white pepper and black cherry
Finish: medium dry oak.
Nose: Brown sugar, caramel. Quite a bit of ethanol.
Pallet: Blackberry, pepper spice and vanilla.
Finish: Medium in length. Feels hotter than it’s proof.
Nose: brown sugar for sure. Cherry.
Pallet: cherry again.
Finish: medium and strong.