Maker’s Mark Heart Series Review: An Exciting Change in the Wood Finishing Lineup
Maker’s Mark Heart Series Review: An Exciting Change in the Wood Finishing Lineup
Maker’s Mark is shaking things up with its Wood Finishing Series, moving away from the confusing codes like BRT and RC to more approachable names. The first release under this new system is the “Heart Series.” If you're wondering whether it's worth adding to your collection, keep reading!
Our Special Guest: Conrad
In this episode, we welcomed a special guest, Conrad, a passionate bourbon enthusiast. Conrad discovered our channel through a video with Dwayne Poror, showcasing his impressive bourbon vault in Oklahoma. Since then, Conrad has been a follower and even joined our Patreon community.
He recently took a trip to Kentucky and got his hands on some unique bottles, including the Maker's Mark Heart Series. We were excited to hear his insights and give this new release a taste test.
The Source of the Bottle
Conrad visited the Maker’s Mark Distillery during Bourbon Week in Kentucky, where he stumbled upon their latest release – the Heart Series. He noticed that Maker’s Mark is moving away from their previous coding system for special finishes and instead opting for names. The Heart Series is their second iteration in this new approach.
Interestingly, Conrad also spotted a unique detail on the bottle: a curved base. Typically, bottles have a flat bottom, so this design choice is intriguing. While we’re not certain of its significance, it might represent the shape of a heart – a fitting touch given the series name.
Bottle Details: Heart Series
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Name: Heart Series
Age Statement: None
Proof: 112
Price: $69.95
Size: 750 ml
Notably, Maker's Mark chose to keep the bottle at 750 ml, despite the recent change in U.S. regulations allowing distilleries to use 700 ml bottles. Many brands have reduced their bottle size while maintaining the same price, so kudos to Maker's Mark for providing full value with their new release.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet aromas with hints of s'mores, chocolate, and toffee.
Palate: A smooth and well-balanced flavor profile with caramelized wood sugar, toffee, and a hint of campfire oak. There’s also a subtle smokiness and chocolate note reminiscent of s'mores.
Finish A warm feeling throughout the body, but not overly intense. At 112 proof, it provides a cozy warmth without being overpowering.
Our Rating
We rate the Maker's Mark Heart Series on a 100-point scale. Conrad rated it a 90, while I gave it an 89. It’s definitely on the higher end of the scale and is worth considering for your collection.
Buy or Pass?
Verdict: Buy
Conrad recommends this bottle for special occasions, especially when hosting friends. While it might not be your go-to everyday pour, it's a solid choice for gatherings. The price point at $70 is reasonable for its flavor profile, especially from an iconic distillery like Maker’s Mark.
The Heart Series might be challenging to find in the coming months, but if you come across it at the suggested retail price (SRP), don't pass it up. We made this review in August, and it’s likely that it will still be available through September and October if you visit the distillery.
Final Thoughts
Maker's Mark’s decision to name their special releases makes this new series more accessible to bourbon enthusiasts. The Heart Series provides a well-balanced, warm experience that aligns with what we expect from the brand’s wood-finishing expertise. If you find this bottle on the shelves, it’s definitely worth picking up for your next special occasion.
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