Brew Review, Bourbon Edition: Maker's Mark Distillery and Makers 46

Its a brew review mix up today! It's Friday, the last weekned in August is 8 hours away, why not?!

As I'm sure you recall, Roadtrip 2011 was about a month ago (I can't believe it was a month ago, where does the time go? Honestly? That's an entirely different blog entry. Ok. Focus Ali, focus....).

Anyway, to wrap up Roadtrip 2011 Jake and I went through a portion of the Bourbon Trail in northwest Kentucky. There are roughly seven distilleries throughout the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Fairly widespread across the beautiful Kentucky countryside, the distilleries are about 30 minutes apart from each other. Because of the distance and time alloted, we only got to vist 3 this year; Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Heaven Hill. Despite the commonality of bourbon, each distillery is very unique and different from the next.

For the purpose of this post, I'm focusing on Maker's Mark from here on out. It was my favorite of the 3 distilleries after all. Maker's Mark distillery is set deep in the Kentucky countryside. A covered bridge leading to the Whiskey Creek that runs along the distillery greets you as you pull into the parking lot. There are several buildings making up the distillery; its like a little town made just for bourbon. The tour is roughly an hour, is free of charge and includes bourbon tastings at the close of the tour.

Throughout the course of the tour, you get to visit several of the buildings onsite; the Still House, Fermenting Room, bottling and labeling building, and the Barrel Warehouse. While in the Barrel Warehouse, there are two different types of barrels showcased; the typical barrel used to hold the original Maker's Mark and a barrel with wooden planks inside used to hold the new Maker's Mark 46. After the warehouse, you head over to the gift shop to begin your tasting. On the docket for the tasting is Maker's Mark and Maker's Mark 46 with a bourbon cherry chocolate to wrap things up.

Now, I could go on for much longer telling you additional details of the distillery, but lets get down to business. I know you are waiting for my rating and here goes...

Maker's Mark Distillery
Ali's Rating: ****1/2
I loved this place! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the bottling/labeling service was down when we visited and I would have liked to see the bourbon in action! Overall, the tour was very interesting and the gift shop is full of unique Maker's Mark souvenirs. You even have the opportunity to dip your own bottle and take home! Its a must see if you are traveling through this part of Kentucky.

Maker's Mark 46
Ali's Rating: ****
Jake loves bourbon. While, I am still working on acquiring his love for bourbon, I have grown to appreciate the stuff and this new product from Maker's is quite good! Fairly smooth as far as bourbon's go and I think it has a better taste and finish than the original Maker's. This product is the first new product in 52 years from the distillery. They took an already great product, added the wooden stakes to the barrels and aged them for an additional 2-3 months on top of the six to seven years they have already aged. The result as the bourbon mingles with the wooden stakes, other than the higher alcohol proof...stronger hints of caramel, spice, and vanilla. Sounds tasty doesn't it?

Now, its your turn. Head to your local liquor store and pick up a bottle of Maker's Mark 46 and give it a shot (yes, pun intended).

I anxiously await your verdict or hangover.

Cheers!