The Maker's Mark "The Lost Recipe" 1st Edition 2024 Release - 111.9 Proof (55.95% ABV)

The Maker's Mark "The Lost Recipe" 1st Edition 2024 Release is a limited-edition, cask-strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 111.9 proof (55.95% ABV). This expression is the first in a series that utilizes retired staves from the Maker's Mark Private Selection program, specifically highlighting the return of the Roasted French Mocha stave. 

Key Features

Proof: 111.9 (55.95% ABV)

Stave Profile: The finishing process uses a unique combination of ten oak staves, including:

1 x Baked American Pure 2: Contributes notes of vanilla, honey, and bright fruit.

3 x Seared French Cuvée: Adds creamy, toasted caramel, and almond notes.

6 x Roasted French Mocha: The featured stave for this edition, imparting dominant flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit.

Availability: Released in 2024, it was primarily a Costco exclusive in the United States, often priced around $60 (MSRP) for a 700mL bottle. 

Tasting Notes

The unique stave combination creates a rich, dessert-forward profile that is surprisingly smooth and "crushable" for its high proof. 

Nose: Rich aromas of brown sugar, vanilla frosting, milk chocolate, and espresso, with hints of dried berries, cinnamon, and baked apple.

Palate: A creamy, full-flavored experience featuring dark chocolate, coffee, and buttery pastry notes, balanced by brown sugar, vanilla, and hints of cherry and baked apple.

Finish: Medium-long and warming, the finish emphasizes the mocha and chocolate notes, which combine with browned butter, allspice, and a pleasant oakiness.