Maker’s Mark Private Select
Maker’s Mark built its legacy on something rare in the bourbon world: absolute consistency. One recipe, one yeast strain, one method, and a barrel rotation program that ensures every bottle delivers the same exceptional flavor, no matter where it’s poured. But with the Private Select program, the Samuels family has done something bold: they’ve opened that legacy up to collaboration. Starting with cask-strength bourbon, guests choose from 10 individual wood staves, each representing a distinct flavor profile, and build a custom recipe that is then added to a full barrel of Maker’s Mark for an additional nine weeks of aging. The result is something entirely one-of-a-kind. SSF Founding Director Chris Shepherd made this barrel alongside bourbon minds Larry Rice and Susie Hoyt, selecting a recipe of 3 Seared French Cuvée, 4 Maker’s Mark 46, 1 Roasted French Mendiant, and 2 Toasted French Spice staves, amplifying everything you love about Maker’s Mark and turning it into something you’ve never tasted before.
Bottle Facts
- Age: 10 years
- Source: Kentucky
- Stave profile: Seared French Cuvée 3 staves, Maker’s Mark 46. 4 staves, Roasted French Mendiant 1 stave, Toasted French Spice 2 staves
Tasting Notes
- On the nose: baking spice; roasted cocoa; graham cracker; dried apricot
- On the palate: banana; caramel; butterscotch; amplified oak and vanilla
- Finish: warm spice; rich and lingering