Maker's Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 113.2 Proof 750ml

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is the uncut, unfiltered, barrel proof expression of America's most iconic wheated bourbon, distilled and bottled at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, the historic Burks' Distillery purchased by Bill Samuels Sr. in 1953 and the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark while still in active production. Originally launched as a distillery only release in 2014 before going global in 2016, Cask Strength uses the same signature wheated mash bill that defines the entire Maker's Mark portfolio: 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley, with no rye anywhere in the recipe. Aged to taste rather than time in hand rotated, charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is then bottled straight from the barrel without chill filtration to preserve the natural oils, color, and full bodied character of the spirit. Proof varies from batch to batch in the 108 to 114 range, with this batch landing at a robust 113.2 proof and 56.6% ABV. Every bottle is still hand dipped in the iconic red wax that has defined Maker's Mark since 1958, designed by Bill Sr.'s wife Margie Samuels. The result is the brand's signature soft, creamy wheated profile turned up to full intensity, with deeper caramel, oak, vanilla, and spice that the standard 90 proof simply cannot deliver.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber to copper, noticeably richer than the 90 proof Original.

Nose: Intense caramel and vanilla up front, with a layer of toasted oak, cinnamon, and dark fruit. Warm baking spice and a soft butterscotch note round out a generous, dessert leaning bouquet.

Palate: Full bodied and bold with caramelized sugar, vanilla cream, and toasted oak leading the charge. The wheat keeps it smooth and round despite the proof, while dark chocolate, salted caramel, and a touch of dried fruit build through the mid palate.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak, clove, baking spice, and a final whisper of dark fruit. Genuinely smoother than the proof would suggest, the signature wheated softness in full effect.

FAQ

What does Cask Strength mean for Maker's Mark?
Cask Strength is bottled straight from the barrel without dilution and without chill filtration, preserving the full intensity of the bourbon as it sat in the warehouse. Because no two batches are identical, the proof varies from 108 to 114 depending on the specific barrels selected. This batch is 113.2 proof, on the higher end of the range.

How is Cask Strength different from regular Maker's Mark?
Both share the same 70/16/14 wheated mash bill and same source distillery. The standard Maker's Mark is bottled at 90 proof, while Cask Strength is bottled at full barrel proof, typically 108 to 114, and is non chill filtered. The result is a deeper, more concentrated version of the classic Maker's profile, with bigger caramel, oak, and spice and a fuller mouthfeel.

Why does Maker's Mark use wheat instead of rye?
When founder Bill Samuels Sr. was developing the Maker's recipe in the early 1950s, he famously baked seven different breads from candidate mash bills to see which tasted best, ultimately choosing the no rye, wheat forward recipe. Soft red winter wheat is the secondary grain in the mash, replacing the rye used in most bourbons, and gives Maker's its signature soft, creamy, dessert leaning character with no harsh bite.

Where can I buy Maker's Mark Cask Strength online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.