Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release FAE-02 is a sought after, limited edition expression from the iconic Loretto, Kentucky distillery, and the fall companion to that year's spring release, FAE-01. The Wood Finishing Series is Maker's Mark's experimental playground, taking fully matured, cask strength Maker's Mark and finishing it in secondary barrels fitted with proprietary toasted wood staves, then resting those barrels in the distillery's cool limestone cellar so the bourbon can slowly draw character from the wood. The FAE in the name stands for fatty acid esters, the naturally occurring compounds Maker's Mark preserves by never chill filtering its whisky, which give the bourbon both its fruity tones and its rich texture. Where FAE-01 used American oak staves to amplify dark fruit and oak, FAE-02 was crafted to explore the softer, more textural side of that vision, using ten virgin French oak staves that are double heat treated, first with infrared exposure and then a flame toast finish. The result is a luscious, full bodied bourbon that leans into mouthfeel and tone rather than sheer power. Built on the classic Maker's wheated mashbill of 70 percent corn, 16 percent red winter wheat, and 14 percent malted barley, and bottled non chill filtered at 109.1 proof, it offers a luxurious pour of buttery oak, banana bread, French oak, light burnt caramel, and a hint of barrel char, with a rich, creamy finish. As a limited annual release that is no longer in production, it is a rewarding bottle for the Maker's Mark devotee, the wood finishing enthusiast, and the collector alike. Enjoy it neat or over a single large cube to savor its signature texture.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Maker's Mark, Loretto, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Beam Suntory |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (wheated) |
| Expression |
Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release FAE-02 |
| Mashbill |
70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley |
| Finishing |
10 Virgin Double Heat Treated (Infrared + Flame Toasted) French Oak Staves |
| Maturation |
Fully matured cask strength Maker's Mark, stave finished, rested in limestone cellar; non chill filtered |
| ABV |
54.55% |
| Proof |
109.1 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: French oak, buttery oak, banana bread, and light burnt caramel.
Palate: Full bodied and luscious, with buttery oak, banana bread, light caramel, and root beer barrel candy over a rich, creamy texture.
Finish: Rich and creamy, with deep oak, barrel char, and lingering toasted French oak.
FAQ
What is the Wood Finishing Series? It is Maker's Mark's limited, experimental line that finishes fully matured cask strength bourbon in barrels fitted with custom toasted wood staves, then rests them in the limestone cellar to develop unique flavor profiles.
What does FAE mean? FAE stands for fatty acid esters, the naturally occurring compounds Maker's Mark retains by never chill filtering, which contribute fruity flavor and rich texture.
How is FAE-02 different from FAE-01? FAE-01, the spring 2021 release, used American oak staves to amplify dark fruit and oak. FAE-02, the fall release, used double heat treated French oak staves to emphasize a rich, full bodied texture and a softer, oak forward profile.
What proof is it? It is bottled non chill filtered at 109.1 proof, or 54.55 percent ABV.
Is it still made? No. It was a 2021 limited annual release, available while supplies lasted, and is no longer in production.
Where can I buy Maker's Mark FAE-02 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
