Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series #1 (Mocha) 2024
In-Depth Review
For more than 50 years, Maker’s Mark was defined by a single product – the classic red wax top everyone knows. That 90 proof expression could be found in bars from Tallahassee to Macau and represented everything that founder Bill Samuels Sr. believed bourbon should be. It wasn’t until 2010 that the new first Maker’s expression was released – Maker’s 46. Since then, under the stewardship of third generation family distiller Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark has become one of the more experimental blue chip brands in Kentucky. Offering everything from extra aged, to cask strength, to the unique finishing staves that define their Private Selection line, Maker’s has been able to bend flavors to their will. But not every style of Maker’s has continued on.
Enter the Lost Recipe Series. This newly released line will explore some of the previous flavor profiles from Maker’s recent past. For the first recipe in this new limited release, Maker’s has tackled a crowd favorite: their famous Mocha profile. This is made by using a collection of their finishing staves like Baked American, Seared French Cuvee, and Roasted French Mocha. Bottled at 111.9 proof, and found for around $60 at Costco, I couldn’t pass up this chance to dive back into a little bit of Maker’s Mark history. Let’s dive in and see if they nailed it!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 55.95%
Cask: New oak
MSRP: $59.99 (Costco)
Distillery Name: Maker’s Mark
Review Date: 12/3/24
Color: Burnt Caramel
Nose: First sniff and you know this is a classic Maker’s Mark nose. Warm baked bread, English toffee, and lots of baking spices. Not sure if it’s just association with the name, but I am getting a nice warm mocha note as well that blends together with butter cookies, oak, and rose water. Lovely nose with layers upon layers of classic Maker’s goodness.
Palate: On the first sip I am met with a bit of consternation. While nose makes me expect a deep, rich, chocolaty palate, I instead got a palate that was bright and warm. It’s fruity, with red apple and marzipan but is missing the deeper, darker bass notes I was expecting. The mouthfeel is decent, but retains the lighter, brighter character.
Finish: Medium length finish that lives in your upper chest. Almost skips the tongue entirely and just warms you up with toasted wood, barrel char, and lots of wood spice. There’s more vanilla, milk chocolate, and toasted caramel that round out the experience.
Final Thoughts: I will not deny that Maker’s Mark Lost Recipes #1 is a good pour - not exactly the one I was expecting – but a good pour, nonetheless. While I expected a deep, rich, mocha-like experience because of all of those Roasted French Mocha staves, what I got instead was a brighter, fruitier, warming pour that was incredibly easy to drink. The nose and the burst of flavor at the front of the palate are fantastic but at times can lose steam halfway through. I still find Cellar Aged a more compelling flavor experience while the normal Maker’s Mark Cask Strength remains a better overall value. But if you’re looking for your next cozy, sipping winter whisky, Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe’s #1 is a little look back in time that offers a compelling pour for those who can find it!
