Description
Maker’s Mark 101 Limited Release is a refined high-proof variant that brings enhanced spice, fruit, and oak presence to the beloved wheated profile. It appeals to Maker’s fans seeking more punch, though it may be less compelling compared to other options at the same price. A thoughtful pour for sipping or mixing with elevated aroma and flavor clarity.
? Origins & Expression
Maker’s Mark 101 is a distillery-exclusive high-proof variant of their flagship bourbon, originally offered only to guests at the distillery. Released more broadly in 2019–2020, it elevates the signature Maker’s recipe to 50.5% ABV (101 Proof), offering greater intensity while maintaining the brand’s renowned smoothness.
? Aroma
The nose opens with ripe fruit, bold spice, and a rich sweetness. Expect scents of vanilla, brown sugar, nutmeg, and toffee, layered over subtle wheated warmth.
? Palate & Texture
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Flavor: Sweeter than the standard 90‑proof Maker’s, with notes of toffee, vanilla, baking spice, and hints of dark cherries and orange peel. A faint leathery edge appears in the mid-palate.
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Texture: Medium-bodied—lighter than Cask Strength—with a clean and smooth mouthfeel. Some reviewers note it trends drier or more astringent mid-palate before settling into deeper flavors.
? Finish
The finish is warm and moderate in length, carrying lingering nutmeg, oak tannins, sweet corn, and subtle cinnamon spice. A gentle bitterness softens the sweetness for a clean exit.
? Character Overview
Maker’s 101 offers a spicier, more assertive take on Maker’s Mark compared to the 90-proof original. It’s dryer and less sweet than the very fruity Cask Strength, but it retains enough plushness and familiar wheat-driven sweetness to feel unmistakably Maker’s. Reviewers describe it as an approachable compromise between the standard and Cask Strength versions.
? Best Uses & Pairing Ideas
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A lively mixing bourbon: 101 proof holds up well in stirred cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans.
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Also enjoyable neat or with a few drops of water, for a more expressive sip with balanced spice and sweetness.
50.5% ABV, 750ml
Maker’s Mark 101 is a Kentucky straight bourbon which had previously only been available to select visitors of the Loretto based distillery to sample. Then this was the brand’s first exclusive global travel retail bottling. Maybe that didn’t work out so well in 2020. Now this exclusive, higher proof Maker’s Mark is available as a limited release, during the Holidays!
Reviews
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