Maker's Mark Cask Strength Military Edition

Nose

Rich caramel and brown sugar lead with warm vanilla and toasted oak underneath. A hint of dried fruit and soft wheat character rounds out the aromatic profile.

Palate

Full-bodied and concentrated with layers of butterscotch, baking spice, and charred oak. The wheat-forward mashbill keeps the sweetness present even at cask strength, while cinnamon and a subtle nuttiness add complexity through each sip.

Finish

Long and warming with lingering oak tannins, dark caramel, and a gentle spice that fades slowly. The proof-driven heat is balanced by the signature Maker's Mark softness, making for a satisfying close.

1. Neat: Pour 2 parts into a Glencairn or rocks glass and add 2–3 drops of water to open up the caramel and spice notes.
2. Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube with 2 dashes Angostura bitters and a splash of water. Add 2 parts Maker's Mark Cask Strength Military Edition and stir with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and a Luxardo cherry.
3. Manhattan: Stir 2 parts bourbon with 1 part sweet vermouth and 2 dashes Angostura bitters over ice. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a brandied cherry.
4. Bourbon Smash: Muddle 4 fresh mint leaves with 1/2 part simple syrup in a shaker. Add 2 parts bourbon and 3/4 part fresh lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain over crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.