Region: USA

Location: Star Hill Farm, Loretto, Kentucky

General whisky characteristics: Complex, rich, floral, caramel

Official website

A day at The Munich Whisky & Bar festival, February 2010

There was I perusing the Laphroaig stand and relieving them of some samples when a very pleasant chap nex door on the Maker's Mark stand asked if I also wrote notes for and sampled bourbon.

Well, although this isn't the main focus of Whisky Emporium, I do enjoy a good bourbon and am happy to include them in my reviews.

He proceeded to educate me in the intricacies of the palate and how Maker's Mark aim to address the palate with their bourbon. A review of this discussion can be found in February's Dram-atics as below I have detailed the actual tasting notes of the 'official' Maker's Mark, along with three other samples not generally available.

Maker's Mark, New Spirit, aged less than 1 day, 45% ABV

(known to the staff as 'White Dog')

Typical cost of this bottle; Not available for sale.

Colour: Totally clear, like water.

Nose: Spirit, slightly floral.

Palate: Aromatic grain with hints of fresh, spirity grappa.

Overall Impression: A very aromatic new spirit without being too raw.

Maker's Mark, New Spirit, aged 1 year, 45% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; Not available for sale.

Colour: Rich gold

Nose: Perfumed, slight wood, no spirit

Palate: Smooth, gentle, warm, slightly perfumed.

Overall Impression: From the colour, nose and palate it's hard to believe this is just one year old. It's already well on its way to maturity.

Maker's Mark, NAS, 45% ABV

The 'offical' bottling

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Colour: Amber

Nose: Very aromatic, perfumed grain.

Palate: Smooth and very aromatic.

Overall Impression: A fine bouron.

Maker's Mark, 'Over Matured', aged 9 years, 45% ABV

3 years at each of the three warehouse levels.

Typical cost of this bottle; Not available for sale.

Colour: Bronze

Nose: Wonderful perfume, oak and leather.

Palate: Smooth, perfumed freshly sawn older wood and some leather.

Finish: an amazing effect on the palate as it alternates between front and back of the tongue.

Overall Impression: Please bottle this, I love it!