Maker’s Mark has announced their 2020 Limited Release Bourbon Whiskey. The annual limited edition bottling will be part of the Beam-Suntory-owned brand’s Wood Finishing Series.
The second-annual limited release from the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, and fourth Bourbon in the collection overall, is a tribute to the “one-of-a-kind vanilla and caramel taste notes” found in the famed Kentucky Whiskey.
The 2020 Limited Release features aromas of vanilla and spiced caramel, according to the distillery. The palate features flavors of butter pecan ice cream with vanilla and creamy butter notes, along with dry spice and caramelized sweetness. The finish is long, round and dry.
The 2020 offering uses two stave styles, which are then married together. 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, SE4, used is made from virgin French oak, convection cooked at medium heat with a short toast period, to provide the caramel notes. The second stave, PR5, is made from virgin American oak and convection cooked at low heat very slowly over time to bring out the vanilla flavor.
The Wood Finishing Series 2020 Limited Release celebrates the 10 year anniversary since the brand launched its 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.”
Bottled at 54.5% ABV, The Maker’s Mark 2020 Limited Release is priced at $59.99 USD per 750ml bottle. It will be available for purchase across the United States beginning in September.