This post sponsored by the Glencairn Whisky Glass

Maker’s Mark made a gold wax, 101 proof version of the brand back in the 1970s. They later discontinued the brand in the United States and it was only found in the overseas markets and the international airport duty free shops. They have recently brought it back to sell at the distillery and “selective outlets”. The whiskey is a very good product and it would be nice to see it in every U.S. market, but that will not happen until the inventory grows to the point that they can support the brand nationwide.

Maker’s Mark Traveler’s Exclusive

Proof: 101

Age: No Age Statement

Nose: Vanilla, hazelnuts, with a hint of apples and oak.

Taste: Vanilla with some ripe apple, hazelnuts, pepper and oak. Tasted with a dried cranberry enhances the apples and pepper with less oak. Tasted with a pecan enhances the vanilla and hazelnuts with more sweet oak.

Finish: Medium long with oak and pepper. The cranberry lengthens the finish and makes it more pepper than oak. The pecan enhances the sweet oak and reduces the pepper.

I have paired this Bourbon with a Nat Sherman Timeless Panamericana Secretos that has a nice rich tobacco with cedar spice with hints of vanilla and caramel. The Bourbon adds sweetness to the tobacco with more caramel and less spice. The smoke brings out a cherries/berries note in the Bourbon and enhances the pepper notes. A very good pairing for a quick smoke and Bourbon on the deck.

Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Miller