Experience a unique piece of Maker's Mark history with this 2000 vintage 'Old Style Sour Mash' release. Crafted with their signature red winter wheat, this bourbon offers a smoother, sweeter profile with an added layer of nuanced complexity and depth from its early 2000s distillation, truly showcasing the artistry of Star Hill Farm.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A captivating and inviting aroma, characteristic of Maker's Mark, but with a nuanced depth from its vintage. Expect rich caramel and vanilla bean, interwoven with sweet butterscotch and a hint of warm baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Delicate floral notes, perhaps honeysuckle or orange blossom, emerge, balanced by subtle oak char and a faint whisper of dried dark fruit, like fig or raisin. The 'Old Style Sour Mash' aspect contributes a pleasingly tangy, almost bready undertone, a hallmark seeking to enhance fermentation character.

Palate: The palate arrives with a velvety and medium-to-full body, coating the mouth luxuriousl. Initial sweetness explodes with honeyed caramel and vanilla, quickly followed by a medley of dried fruits – dried apricot, cherry, and plum. The signature Maker's Mark wheat influence provides a smooth, soft creamy texture, minimizing ethanol harshness. Mild oak spice, black pepper, and a touch of roasted nuts (almond or pecan) add complexity, while a lingering, pleasant corn sweetness underpins the entire experience. The sour mash tang is present, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness.

Finish: A long, smooth, and satisfying finish. The sweetness lingers with notes of caramel and vanilla, gradually transitioning to a gentle warmth of oak and baking spices. A subtle fruitiness – perhaps stewed apples or pears – persists, accompanied by a touch of leathery dryness and a very faint, pleasant bitterness from the char. The wheated softness ensures a clean and graceful exit, leaving a desire for another sip.

About the Distillery

Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc. was founded by T. William 'Bill' Samuels, Sr. in 1953 with a vision to create a bourbon that tasted great, not just one that got you drunk. Rejecting traditional rye for red winter wheat, Maker's Mark pioneered a softer, sweeter style of bourbon, handmade in small batches. Each bottle is still hand-dipped in their iconic red wax, a symbol of their commitment to craftsmanship.