Maker’s Mark unveils limited edition 2020 Bourbon

Beam Suntory-owned Maker’s Mark Bourbon has released its latest annual limited edition bottling as part of the brand’s Wood Finishing Series.

The new Maker’s Mark 2020 Limited Release follows the success of last year’s Stave Profile RC6 release, which was said to have “amplified fruit flavours” inspired by the brand’s yeast strain.

The 2020 variant showcases the brand’s “pursuit of enhance vanilla and caramel notes” and is bottled at 54.5% ABV.

It is the second limited edition Bourbon in the Wood Finishing Series, which also includes Maker’s Mark 46 and Maker’s Mark Private Selection. The new expression joins the range as the brand celebrates 10 years since it launched Maker’s Mark 46.

“Since the introduction of Maker’s Mark 46, wood staves have become our tool of choice for unlocking and amplifying natural flavors already present in our classic Maker’s Mark – always purposefully and with a specific taste vision in mind,” said Jane Bowie, director of innovation at Maker’s Mark.

“Where Maker’s Mark 46 was about creating a bolder Maker’s, and the 2019 release was all about boosting the notes of baking spice and fruit, our 2020 Limited Release has been a quest to amp up those rich vanilla and buttery-caramel flavours that typically stem from our unique approach to seasoning our barrel wood outside for a full year.”

The 2020 offering uses two stave styles, one drawing on vanilla and the other on caramel, which are then married together to offer a Bourbon “reminiscent of butter pecan”.

The multi-stave approach was the result of more than a year of experimentation with the brand’s barrel producer, Independent Stave Company.

The first stave used, SE4, is made from virgin French oak, convection cooked at medium heat with a short toast period, which provided the caramel flavour. The second stave, PR5, is made from virgin American oak and convection cooked at low heat very slowly over time to bring out vanilla notes.

The Maker’s Mark 2020 Limited Release is priced at US$59.99 per 750ml bottle. It will be available to buy across the US from September while supplies last.

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Timothy Kelly

Tim is the Founder & Master Distiller at Felene. He developed his passion for the spirits and hospitality business while growing-up and working in his family's restaurant and liquor store business. Tim’s passion for the epicurean lifestyle has found it’s latest manifestation in the Felene Distillery. Tim is a 5-time Gold Medal Award winning Distiller. He has won a Platinum medal at the Prestigious Los Angeles Spirits Awards and his signature vodka was named Best-in-Category by the American Distilling Institute. Mr. Kelly is also a prolific author and writer and his blog is filled with ideas, discoveries, observations and recommendations to help his readers enjoy life’s simple epicurean pleasures.

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