Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release FAE-01 is a sought after, limited edition expression from the iconic Loretto, Kentucky distillery, and the spring release that opened that year's two part Wood Finishing Series alongside its fall companion, FAE-02. 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. FAE-01 was crafted to amplify the signature dried fruit and oak flavors Maker's Mark is known for, using ten virgin American oak staves that are seared on one side and left raw on the other. The charred side lends dark, leathery tobacco notes while the raw side yields fresh fruit, the two combining to create an intense, barrel aged fruitiness. The result is a bold, fruit forward bourbon with big aroma and flavor, like standing in a barrel warehouse. 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 110.6 proof, it delivers rich notes of dark fruit, leathery tobacco, oak, caramel, and warm baking spice. Widely regarded as one of the standout Wood Finishing Series releases, and now out of 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.
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-01 |
| Mashbill |
70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley |
| Finishing |
10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves (seared one side, raw the other) |
| Maturation |
Fully matured cask strength Maker's Mark, stave finished, rested in limestone cellar; non chill filtered |
| ABV |
55.3% |
| Proof |
110.6 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep reddish amber.
Nose: Big and bold, with dark fruit, leathery tobacco, and rich oak.
Palate: Fruit forward and full, with barrel aged dark fruit, tobacco, caramel, and oak spice.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering oak, dried fruit, and tobacco.
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-01 different from FAE-02? FAE-01, the spring 2021 release, used American oak staves seared on one side to amplify dark fruit and leathery tobacco. FAE-02, the fall release, used double heat treated French oak staves to emphasize a rich, full bodied texture.
What proof is it? It is bottled non chill filtered at 110.6 proof, or 55.3 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-01 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
