Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series - 2024 The Heart Release Review

 

Overview: Is Maker's the most polarizing Kentucky bourbon? Possibly.

Obviously, many people love Maker's as they are one of the largest and oldest distilleries in the US. However, others don't, and that's perfectly fine. Maker's has always stayed true to a specific flavor profile, and they haven't (to my knowledge) released any super-aged bourbons. That means, since they use wheat, some Maker's expressions can get a bit "bready" and lack the complexity of whiskeys that include rye or spend more time in the barrel. I happen to be someone who loves wheated bourbons; one of my all-time favorites is Weller 12, which I consider the benchmark. Today, we'll be sampling a new release from Maker's that is part of their wood finishing series.

Most of us thought the wood finishing series was over, but according to the label on this bottle, this is the second chapter. The first chapter (aka the "license plate series") included bottles like BRT-01, BRT-02, FAE-01, etc.

Here's an excerpt from the label: "For this second chapter of our limited release wood finishing series, we pursue unique taste visions inspired by the teams who craft our handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky - the makers of our Maker's if you will. In this 2024 release, known as the Heart Release, we have crafted a one-of-a-kind expression that celebrates our team that distills our whisky. This team is the center - the heart if you will - of our whisky-making process. This stage in the process serves to guide all other stages, ensuring our taste vision is realized. Fruit forward with caramel, maple, and chocolate notes, this expression features a rich, creamy mouthfeel that is a pure delight. We hope you enjoy this one as much as we enjoyed making it."

Age: NAS (No Age Statement)

Proof: 111.7 Proof (55.85% AVB)

Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Soft Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley

Secondary Finish: Yes - French Oak Staves

Nose: The nose is not typical of the standard Maker's Mark profile. It's much sweeter and doesn't have any of those bread notes, youthfulness, or nuttiness. The first note to hit me is maple syrup, followed by caramel, buttery popcorn, cherry, blackberry, a bit of chocolate, and some vanilla.

Palate: The palate is less fruity than the nose would indicate. It's darker and richer, with burnt caramel, heavily toasted marshmallow, pronounced sweetness, wood sugar, vanilla, and even some mocha or coffee notes. 

Finish: Some spice on the back end from the higher proof. There is no rye in this mashbill, so as I would expect, there are no baking spice notes. The sweetness continues with burnt marshmallows and burnt sugar. The finish is long and very pleasant, but it isn't super complex... no real twists and turns, just more of the same notes, but I very much enjoy those notes.

Final Thoughts: As is typical with all Maker's releases, this isn't super complex due to the shorter time in the barrel and the lack of rye in the mashbill. What complexity it does have comes from the secondary finish and the higher proof than most Maker's releases. It is sweeter than a lot of bourbons, but that's what you expect. This flavor profile is absolutely in my "strike zone," so I will be hunting for more of these bottles before they disappear. I like higher proof (check), I like wheated bourbon (check), I like finished bourbon (check), and I was able to find this for around $60, so I'm giving it a "top shelf" rating.

Rating: Top Shelf - Link to ratings explanations

Penelope Architect Build 9 Review - The best Penelope?

Overview: Penelope Architect Build 9, the ninth release in this series, comes packaged in a striking bottle adorned with a blue label—a clever nod to an architect's blueprint, echoing the brand's name. The back label boasts of "a blueprint for the future of precision blending," emphasizing the combination of their signature four-grain mashbill with French oak staves. It also highlights a collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux, using their OakScan® process for stave selection. While that's a lot of marketing speak for a 4-year bourbon, let's see if the liquid lives up to the hype.

Age: 4 Years

Proof: 104 (52% ABV)

Mashbill: The exact mashbill remains undisclosed, but it's confirmed to be a four-grain blend derived from three distinct MGP distillates:

MGP Bourbon (45% Wheat) - 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley

MGP Bourbon (21% Rye) - 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

MGP Bourbon (99% Corn) - 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley

The precise blend is a testament to the master blender's skill, prioritizing taste over a rigid formula.

Secondary Finish: Yes - French Oak Staves

Nose: Vanilla frosting and lightly toasted marshmallows entice the senses, complemented by white pepper and a pronounced oak presence. There's a hint of youthfulness, but the sweet oak notes largely mask it.

Palate Surprisingly soft on the palate, belying its 104 proof. The sip starts with caramel, cinnamon and a touch of cherry.  The mouthfeel is pleasingly viscous, delivering a wave of sweet oak—the dominant flavor. Subtle blackberry notes emerge with focused attention. 

Finish: Sweet Oak continues to the finish.  The sweetness turns to toffey and carmel and the darker fruits start to emerge more than at the start... blackberry, and even some coffee.  I'm very happy with the complexity and lenght of finish considering the short 4 year age statement, this is likely due to the 4 grain mashbill and the secondary finish. 

Final Thoughts: Penelope Architect Build 9 defies expectations with its complexity and richness, especially considering its relatively light color and young age. The emphasis on the OakScan process seems justified if it contributes to this quality.

This release stands out as the best Penelope I've encountered, surpassing my experiences with their other blended offerings. It's a bourbon worth seeking out.

Rating: Middle Shelf - Link to ratings explanations

Penelope Toasted Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review - Batch 23 - 305

Overview: Penelope Bourbon, recently acquired by MGP, bridges the gap between sourced and distiller-produced whiskey. The Toasted Series, exemplified by Batch 23-305, showcases their unique approach to finishing. This release, aged for 5 years and bottled at 100 proof, undergoes a secondary maturation in a heavily toasted, char level 2 barrel. While Penelope's distribution in California has been limited, this marks my first opportunity to delve into a full bottle. With its intriguing combination of age, proof, and finishing technique, I'm eager to explore how this bourbon distinguishes itself in a crowded market. 

Age: 5 years

Proof: 100 proof (50% ABV)

Mashbill: Not disclosed on the bottle. Website says 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley but that is for a different batch (24-301).

Nose: Despite its age and finishing, youthful, grassy notes are surprisingly present. Classic bourbon aromas of cherry and maple syrup intertwine with burnt sugar and smokiness. A touch of heat and spice, perhaps cinnamon or rye-derived, adds complexity.

Palate: The early and mid-palate shine with vanilla, cherry, brown sugar, black pepper, and cinnamon. However, these flavors seem somewhat disjointed, lacking a cohesive integration. Additional aging, either in the primary or finishing barrel, might have harmonized these elements.

Finish: The finish is bright and slightly sharp, showcasing prominent oak influence. It leans towards burnt and smoky rather than sweet and smooth, with a hint of toasted marshmallow sweetness.

Final Thoughts: While I had high hopes for this bourbon, it falls a bit short of expectations. It's a decent pour but lacks the wow factor, especially considering its price point (above $50). In this range, numerous other bottles offer a more compelling experience.

This isn't a bad bourbon by any means, but for a 5-year, 100-proof, toasted expression, it doesn't quite hit the mark for me. It's worth trying, as it might resonate with others differently. However, it simply doesn't fit my personal preference.

Rating: Bottom Shelf - Link to ratings explanations

Old Elk Straight Bourbon - Cognac Cask Finish Review

 

Overview: Old Elk is a new player in the whiskey market but, in that short time, has managed to release an expansive lineup of bourbons and whiskeys including multiple mashbills and an expansive number of finishes.  This is at least the second release of this finished bourbon as I have seen other bottles with slightly different proof (108.5 appears to be the 2023 release). 

Age: 5 years

Proof: 109.7 (54.85% ABV)

Mashbill: 51% Corn, 34% Malted Barley, 15% Rye

Nose: The cognac finish lends a unique twist to the nose, moving away from classic bourbon notes and showcasing dark fruit, black cherries, raisins, vanilla and oak.  The oak isn't as sweet as some longer aged bourbons, it is slightly astringent but not enough to ruin the overall aroma.

Palate: The palate delivers on the promise of the nose, with stone fruit, raisins, black cherries and and a touch of oak.  The tannic grip of the oak is a bit more noticeable but, again not enough to spoil the experience.

Finish: The finish is straightforward and satisfying, echoing the fruit and oak notes from the palate.  The finish is not as long as I would like from something bordering 110 proof but it does linger for a bit and have a pleasant sweetness.

Final Thoughts: I don't typically love whiskeys with a high amount of malted barley but, this offering from Old Elk is enjoyable, unique and some of the barley notes are probably hidden behind the flavors coming through from the finish.  This is a bourbon I will share with friends to get their impressions.  This bourbon is a delightful departure from traditional bourbon profiles, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and fruit-forward experience.If you have enjoyed some of Old Elk's other releases, I would recommend giving this one a try as I think it is one of their best releases so far.

Rating: Middle Shelf - Link to ratings explanations

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Yr Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Review

 

Overview: When the name WhistlePig comes up, the first thought is often their well-regarded range of aged rye whiskeys. Now, they've ventured into the bourbon world with the PiggyBack 6 Year, a 100-proof offering. This intriguing bourbon is a blend of distillates from Indiana (likely MGP), Kentucky and WhistlePig's own Vermont operation.  While sourcing bourbon from MGP is a common practice for many new brands, WhistlePig's entry is still noteworthy, considering their established reputation in the rye whiskey category.

Age: 6 years

Proof: 100 proof (50% ABV)

Mashbill: Undisclosed.  Website says "high corn"

Nose: While not groundbreaking, the nose offers a pleasant welcome with notes of toffee, a subtle hint of butterscotch, and classic oak and vanilla. A touch of nuttiness (reminiscent of Knob Creek?) also emerges.

Palate: The palate takes a surprising turn from the nose, leading with a burst of spice – think pepper and cinnamon – balanced by a wave of sweetness.  Cherries, crème brûlée, toasted marshmallows, and apples mingle with a dash of vanilla. The oak presence is noticeable but surprisingly restrained for a 6-year-old bourbon..

Finish: The finish is medium to long, showcasing a pleasing balance. While not overly complex, it revisits the highlights from the palate – crème brûlée, cherries, and a lingering spice.

Final Thoughts: This is a good, but not exceptional, bourbon. It's smooth and approachable with a sweetness that's balanced by the 100-proof heat. If you're already a fan of WhistlePig's rye whiskeys, it's worth exploring. Personally, I found it shone more in cocktails than neat.

While I enjoyed the experience, I'm not rushing to replenish my stock. The bourbon market is overflowing with excellent options at this price point, making it difficult to justify a dedicated spot on my shelf.  However, this being WhistlePig's first foray into bourbon, I'm eager to see how their offerings evolve and will certainly keep an eye out for future releases.

Rating: Bottom Shelf - Link to rating explanations

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Whiskey Review: A Young Blend with Potential

Overview: Redwood Empire is one of many newer distilleries that's been following the tried and true model: source aged distillate, blend and bottle while setting up your own production, and eventually start blending in your own juice. They were established in 2015 and have been steadily expanding their lineup.  I've tried a few of their other releases and have generally been pleased, if not blown away.  They're generally very affordable, at least here in California. I can't say for sure what the exact distillate is in this bottle, as the label only states "A Blend of Straight Whiskeys" and "Bottled in Graton, CA". This latest review is for their Bourbon, Rye blend (aka Bourye). Let's see how it stacks up. 

Age: 3 years

Proof: 90 proof (45% ABV)

Mashbill: Not disclosed.  Their website reads it is a blend of 55% Rye, 45% Bourbon

Nose: Right off the bat, the nose is rye-forward. Baking spices abound... nutmeg, clove, a hint of pumpkin spice, and just a touch of caramel sweetness. As it sits and opens up, some youthful notes emerge - a bit of grassiness, but it's not overpowering.  With a 3-year age statement, I suspect a good portion of the blend is young, so this isn't surprising. I also get some oak and corn notes peeking through.

Palate: The first sip tastes a bit hotter than 90 proof, which isn't ideal.  There's a touch of ethanol and some "sharp edges" indicating youth, but these start to fade on subsequent sips. For a young and inexpensive bottle, it does start to show some complexity. The rye notes from the nose are present, but now the bourbon makes its entrance: caramel, cherry, blackberry, and vanilla, though they remain in the background. 

Finish: The finish is longer than is typical for a 90-proof whiskey, but that's mostly due to the high rye content in the blend.  Clove, cinnamon, and pepper linger.  It makes me want to revisit the glass to see if I can tease out any more notes.

Final Thoughts: This isn't going to be my go-to sipper, but it's decently complex and enjoyable enough to make very solid cocktails and occasionally sip neat. The blend has a pleasant amount of complexity, but think "kid's roller coaster" and not an "adult roller coaster" that you need a shoulder harness for.  I'll likely pick up another bottle down the line.  I'm curious to see how Redwood Empire's lineup continues to evolve, both with new releases and how current releases, like this one, change in the coming years.

Rating: Bottom Shelf - Link to ratings explanations

WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Review: A Barrel Pick Adventure

Overview: WhistlePig, the Vermont distillery renowned for its 100 proof WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, is more than just Canadian whiskey finished in bourbon barrels.. Today, we delve into a unique experience: WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. This particular barrel was hand-picked by a local whiskey club that I belong to..

The Barrel Pick Experience: Belonging to a whiskey club with access to barrel programs is a privilege, and this WhistlePig selection exemplifies that. A single barrel yields a limited number of bottles, making each one a treasure hunt. In our case, we sampled through several options, highlighting the variability in single barrel picks.

Age: 10 years

Proof: 115.4

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Nose: A symphony of scents begins with a bold, expected heat. Thick pipe tobacco and molasses intertwine with vanilla and a whisper of maple syrup. Then comes a rye spice kick, followed by softer notes of Christmas cookies covered in frosting. Herbal undertones mingle with the slightest hint of earthiness, adding complexity.

Palate: A medium mouthfeel delivers black pepper, baking spices, tobacco, and a dark sweetness reminiscent of dark chocolate and licorice. The oak influence shines through, accompanied by a wave of mint and pine needles. Cinnamon, peppercorns, and chili powder heat things up, balanced by just enough brown sugar to prevent bitterness. The oily texture evolves with each sip, sometimes revealing its high proof, then softening into sweeter notes.

Finish: A medium-to-long finish showcases an explosion of floral and herbal notes.  Pepper, cloves, and a touch of ethanol mingle with cherry cough syrup, black pepper, mint, and plums. Unlike bourbon finishes, this rye concludes with a Halls cough drop and a lingering herbal bouquet. The complex finish puts an exclamation point on this whiskey.

Final Thoughts: This review isn't just about this specific barrel, as single barrel selections are inherently unique. Rather, it's about the barrel pick experience itself. The variance in quality we encountered while sampling 8 different barrels emphasizes the importance of trusting the store or club's selection process. While some stores rely solely on the distiller's choice, this can be risky, especially at this price point.

WhistlePig, no longer sourcing from MGP, presumably utilizes Alberta rye whiskey finished in Vermont bourbon barrels. The results can be exceptional, but buyer beware. If you're seeking a single barrel adventure, be prepared for variability and choose your source wisely.

Rating: Middle shelf - Link to ratings explanations