Experience a taste of Maker's Mark history with this 2003 vintage, crafted with their signature wheated mash bill for unparalleled smoothness. This expression, distilled and aged on Star Hill Farm, offers a classic profile of caramel, vanilla, and sweet oak, embodying the distillery's timeless commitment to quality. A true collector's item and a delightful sipper for any bourbon enthusiast.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sweet and inviting aroma, characteristic of Maker's Mark, with prominent notes of rich caramel and vanilla bean. Underlying hints of toasted oak and dried dark fruits, like cherry and fig, emerge alongside a delicate, almost floral spice. A touch of honey and shortbread are also present.

Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and medium-bodied, a hallmark of Maker's wheat-forward mash bill. Sweetness dominates initially with butterscotch, crème brûlée, and brown sugar. This is beautifully balanced by a gentle oak influence, leading to flavors of baked apples, toasted nuts, and a subtle cinnamon spice. The absence of an age statement allows the sweeter, softer notes to shine without excessive wood tannin.

Finish: A pleasingly medium to long finish that is warm and mellow. Lingering notes of vanilla, sweet oak, and a hint of baking spice persist. There's a delicate return of the dried fruit sweetness, leaving a satisfying impression of caramel and a touch of rye-like pepper, despite its wheated nature.

About the Distillery

Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., located on Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, is renowned for its iconic red wax-dipped bottles and pioneering use of winter wheat instead of rye in its mash bill. This choice results in a distinctly softer, smoother, and sweeter bourbon, setting it apart from many traditional Kentucky straight bourbons. Founded by Bill Samuels Sr. in the 1950s, Maker's Mark has consistently focused on quality and craftsmanship, maintaining traditional small-batch production methods.