Appreciate this review. I like minnick but I have to say I was straight up uncomfortable watching his review. He said he would try to remove bias, then used a crystal glen, then pretty much took credit that it was his idea for makers to release an aged product? Like no one else that enjoys makers would naturally desire that? I think your review brings it back down to earth.
I appreciate the comment about this Maker's review possibly bringing it back down to earth, and I do want to speak to your question about the Virtue video. To be honest, I think I should've perhaps reworded some things I said about the Virtue bourbon, to instead make it clear that while I enjoy where the whiskey is now (5 years), I see lots of potential in the distillate as it continues to age and am more excited to taste it at 7-9 years. Now sure, that could be said about any bourbon on the market, but I think it's more fair in this case since it's basically the oldest stuff Sagamore has of their own, so there's no way of knowing what it'll be like at that age. So what I'm saying is that I think I could've been more meticulous with my words instead of seeming like I'm just all-in on it at 5 years, because while I do like it, I don't think it's going to be a bottle I reach for all the time at its current age. My comparison to Four Roses and MGP of a slightly higher age remains though -- I didn't embellish that part -- and my praise of their pricing remains as well, since they are doing great things to keep costs down. I suppose this whole thing has made me reflect on how my own bias might come out in reviews, and what I've noticed (I think) is that it doesn't typically skew me towards saying undeserved kind things about a whiskey, but rather it keeps me from eviscerating a whiskey that might truly be awful. Now, on that note, I always try to be fair and respectful (even if a whiskey sucks), because there are people working hard behind the scenes and earning their livelihood by making whiskey. I want to be honest, but not take cheap and/or personal shots at them. If and when my bias creeps into those situations, I think the result is that I might be even a little softer on them, and that's something that I do have to be careful of. Back to the Virtue review though -- even if I had some minor bias on the bourbon and chose to be excited more about potential than exactly where it is now, I'll stand by that because I still think the overall message is the same and it's a solid product. As for the rye, I wouldn't change a thing I said about it. I wish this could be a mass release or that I could send samples out to lots of folks, because I'm not exaggerating at all when I say it's one of my favorite whiskeys I've ever tried. I understand why people might think that's hard to believe, but these things are very possible with single barrels, even if exceedingly rare. It was just one hell of a barrel that probably can't be replicated. Weird, but awesome. Sorry for the novel, but your comment got me thinking and I wanted to get all of this out. Thanks for saying something and cheers!
This is a compelling review because, like you, I have never loved MM as much as other heritage distilleries. Regular Maker’s is one I will order if KC or WT101 aren’t options. If nothing else, it sounds interesting enough to give it a go if I can grab a bottle at MSRP.
Thanks for saying that, Carter! Not sure compelling would be the right word for all of my stuttering and disorganized explanations, though 😂 I do hope you get to try this one! I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially as someone else who might not be regularly reaching for Maker's.
I had heard this was a good one. Hey Cam if someone offered you 2 Larceny B523 for a JD 12 would you take that trade? Also SLB drinks did a great review I really like those guys
I managed to get my hands on a few bottles for my restaurant bar. If you would like to try this fine bourbon, please stop by Fritto Misto in Santa Monica, California
I’ve heard that the distillery has a 12 year product that aged the whole time in the rickhouse rather than 6 years there and 6 years in the cellar for folks to taste against. Have you heard anything about that?
I’ve heard about it. From what I read, the master distillers really know what they’re talking about when they say over-aged MM is too tannic. The OP stated that while he was on the tour they all tried the 12 year Rickhouse MM, more than half said Cellar Aged was better, with a select few saying they prefer the Rickhouse 12.
@@DrumsAndDrams That's wild. Never heard that before. Makes we want to get a bottle of Maker's even though I don't drink it just to see how it comes across from me. I do want to get my hands on a bottle of the Cellar Aged though for sure.
Great review. I have never liked a single makers product…other than dickel and craft, makers usually ends up last in my blinds. Sounds like this one could convert me, but glad to leave it on the shelves for others.
I'm with you as far as grouping Maker's with Dickel and a lot of craft as well. I think this one would definitely change your mind, but your best bet is to try having a pour at a bottle share or a bar to see what you think, especially given the price. Now that I think about it, it may not do well at a bar or in a super loud environment, because IMO it's a whiskey that you really have to focus on. Either way, I hope you get to try it and find out for yourself! Cheers
The thing that got me on this was the mouthfeel. Which i usually dont notice - so its got to be good for me to take note. Mouthfeel is incredibly creamy. This release really brings out a lot of darker flavors that are in Makers. Not a ton of oak, and very little tannin on the finish. I got maple syrup and cinnabon. I think Makers did what they set out to do on the finish. Overall this is much better than other cask strength makers products. The way this has darker flavors reminds me very slightly of the darkness in larceny barrel proof c922. Even though theyre still very different boutbons from each other. All that said, even though this is a really premium product, Makers isnt my favorite flavor profile, so turkey and jack daniels special releases rate higher for me. I compared this next to Weller 107 and full proof. I like this better than either of those. I like it about equal to Larceny barrel proof c922, though this Makers is objectively a much higher quality whiskey.
I already like makers so I picked up that cask strength last week. It’s as if I have been drinking watered down apple juice my whole life and just had 100% cold pressed juice for the first time. It’s ruined original makers mark for me and I don’t think I’ll ever financially recover.
I'm going to have to put this up against WLW then. I watched that video a few minutes ago, and would be curious if it would actually fare as well in that flight if it was a true double blind, especially because he (like me!) likes to bottle guess along the way. Thanks for the comment!
Yeah I'm glad they are as well. I'm not ruling out picking one up in that 250-300 range if I can trade something for it. I would like to own a bottle to really sit with and explore. Cheers!
@@jimmatthews6150saw $725 from two places now that the daily allocation at the distillery has ended. I’m with you. I think this first edition will remain high and go higher
@@Freedomishere-im6ug they said September it was coming, but often these special releases drop early before official press releases come out from distilleries
I have never been a Maker’s fan, but this bottle is special. I was lucky to get 1 bottle and then another as a backup, both at msrp. This along with the M10B are 2 of my favorite bottles this year.
Hey man, guess what I said at the 30 second mark? That I was gonna talk a lot and that you could skip ahead. AND I provided a time stamp to get you there easily. So what’s the problem? Up late drinking on a Saturday night, just looking to troll? Sheesh.
These are already rare no where to be found and shot up to 400.00 ...........so once again here we go with the hoarders and others making it impossible to enjoy.......
@@DrumsAndDrams Correct, and it drags out to 13.05.. it doesn't take 7 min to describe what fruity and dairy notes your smelling and tasting...... 3min tops then a score out of 10 .
Haven’t seen it yet but definitely want one.
I'd like to get one as well if I find it around MSRP. Looks like a beautiful bottle!! Hopefully you're able to snag one and try it. Cheers
Great review!
Thank you!!
Can't wait to get my hands on this bottle!
I'm a fan of Makers, but mainly the higher proof special releases. It's still summer though, mezcal time
Love some mezcal! Though I know nothing about it. Probably best to keep it that way for my wallet, but you're right - what a great summer drink.
Appreciate this review. I like minnick but I have to say I was straight up uncomfortable watching his review. He said he would try to remove bias, then used a crystal glen, then pretty much took credit that it was his idea for makers to release an aged product? Like no one else that enjoys makers would naturally desire that? I think your review brings it back down to earth.
Also is this comparable to the bias in your Virtue review? ( just being honest )
Fred is such a Homer
I appreciate the comment about this Maker's review possibly bringing it back down to earth, and I do want to speak to your question about the Virtue video.
To be honest, I think I should've perhaps reworded some things I said about the Virtue bourbon, to instead make it clear that while I enjoy where the whiskey is now (5 years), I see lots of potential in the distillate as it continues to age and am more excited to taste it at 7-9 years. Now sure, that could be said about any bourbon on the market, but I think it's more fair in this case since it's basically the oldest stuff Sagamore has of their own, so there's no way of knowing what it'll be like at that age. So what I'm saying is that I think I could've been more meticulous with my words instead of seeming like I'm just all-in on it at 5 years, because while I do like it, I don't think it's going to be a bottle I reach for all the time at its current age. My comparison to Four Roses and MGP of a slightly higher age remains though -- I didn't embellish that part -- and my praise of their pricing remains as well, since they are doing great things to keep costs down.
I suppose this whole thing has made me reflect on how my own bias might come out in reviews, and what I've noticed (I think) is that it doesn't typically skew me towards saying undeserved kind things about a whiskey, but rather it keeps me from eviscerating a whiskey that might truly be awful. Now, on that note, I always try to be fair and respectful (even if a whiskey sucks), because there are people working hard behind the scenes and earning their livelihood by making whiskey. I want to be honest, but not take cheap and/or personal shots at them. If and when my bias creeps into those situations, I think the result is that I might be even a little softer on them, and that's something that I do have to be careful of.
Back to the Virtue review though -- even if I had some minor bias on the bourbon and chose to be excited more about potential than exactly where it is now, I'll stand by that because I still think the overall message is the same and it's a solid product. As for the rye, I wouldn't change a thing I said about it. I wish this could be a mass release or that I could send samples out to lots of folks, because I'm not exaggerating at all when I say it's one of my favorite whiskeys I've ever tried. I understand why people might think that's hard to believe, but these things are very possible with single barrels, even if exceedingly rare. It was just one hell of a barrel that probably can't be replicated. Weird, but awesome.
Sorry for the novel, but your comment got me thinking and I wanted to get all of this out. Thanks for saying something and cheers!
This is a compelling review because, like you, I have never loved MM as much as other heritage distilleries. Regular Maker’s is one I will order if KC or WT101 aren’t options.
If nothing else, it sounds interesting enough to give it a go if I can grab a bottle at MSRP.
Thanks for saying that, Carter! Not sure compelling would be the right word for all of my stuttering and disorganized explanations, though 😂
I do hope you get to try this one! I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially as someone else who might not be regularly reaching for Maker's.
I had heard this was a good one. Hey Cam if someone offered you 2 Larceny B523 for a JD 12 would you take that trade? Also SLB drinks did a great review I really like those guys
Larceny is way easier to find for msrp, so not really a good trade.
@@kamahhl My problem is that I enjoy LB523 WAY more than JD 12 lol
@@royn8032 trade it for something harder to find. Or at least go 3:1 if you trade for larceny BP.
I agree with what's been said -- I wouldn't personally do that trade, but if I did, it would have to be 3:1
I will buy it for MSRP if I have the opportunity.
I managed to get my hands on a few bottles for my restaurant bar. If you would like to try this fine bourbon, please stop by Fritto Misto in Santa Monica, California
I’ve heard that the distillery has a 12 year product that aged the whole time in the rickhouse rather than 6 years there and 6 years in the cellar for folks to taste against. Have you heard anything about that?
I have not but that would be one hell of a comparison!!
I’ve heard about it. From what I read, the master distillers really know what they’re talking about when they say over-aged MM is too tannic. The OP stated that while he was on the tour they all tried the 12 year Rickhouse MM, more than half said Cellar Aged was better, with a select few saying they prefer the Rickhouse 12.
Dairy note? Did I hear that right? Like butter or buttermilk? Or regular plain ol dairy?
To me it’s a combo of Greek yogurt and milk
@@DrumsAndDrams That's wild. Never heard that before. Makes we want to get a bottle of Maker's even though I don't drink it just to see how it comes across from me. I do want to get my hands on a bottle of the Cellar Aged though for sure.
Looking forward to reviewing this one myself but I just wish they would have given it the full 12yr rickhouse treatment
Same here!!
Great review. I have never liked a single makers product…other than dickel and craft, makers usually ends up last in my blinds. Sounds like this one could convert me, but glad to leave it on the shelves for others.
I'm with you as far as grouping Maker's with Dickel and a lot of craft as well. I think this one would definitely change your mind, but your best bet is to try having a pour at a bottle share or a bar to see what you think, especially given the price. Now that I think about it, it may not do well at a bar or in a super loud environment, because IMO it's a whiskey that you really have to focus on. Either way, I hope you get to try it and find out for yourself! Cheers
I believe this is true when it comes to the scotch influence the cellar profile makes it very unique
Bourbon wrench and SLB both did a review too and liked it. I heard they might have another release before the end of the year, here’s hoping🤞. Cheers
My name was picked at my local store to buy this at retail!
The thing that got me on this was the mouthfeel. Which i usually dont notice - so its got to be good for me to take note. Mouthfeel is incredibly creamy.
This release really brings out a lot of darker flavors that are in Makers. Not a ton of oak, and very little tannin on the finish. I got maple syrup and cinnabon. I think Makers did what they set out to do on the finish. Overall this is much better than other cask strength makers products.
The way this has darker flavors reminds me very slightly of the darkness in larceny barrel proof c922. Even though theyre still very different boutbons from each other.
All that said, even though this is a really premium product, Makers isnt my favorite flavor profile, so turkey and jack daniels special releases rate higher for me.
I compared this next to Weller 107 and full proof. I like this better than either of those. I like it about equal to Larceny barrel proof c922, though this Makers is objectively a much higher quality whiskey.
I want this bottle but not for $400.
Can’t disagree - secondary is nuts on this for the time being
I saw $725 now that the daily allocation at the distillery has ended
Ill take 1 or 2. If I can find it😂
RC6 A-
MM "Hint of chocolate" A-
MMCA B+
I already like makers so I picked up that cask strength last week. It’s as if I have been drinking watered down apple juice my whole life and just had 100% cold pressed juice for the first time. It’s ruined original makers mark for me and I don’t think I’ll ever financially recover.
the cask strength makers are where its at, 46 cask is a hitter too.
Drinking buddy also did a review. It beat wlw and old rip 10 in a blind.
I'm going to have to put this up against WLW then. I watched that video a few minutes ago, and would be curious if it would actually fare as well in that flight if it was a true double blind, especially because he (like me!) likes to bottle guess along the way. Thanks for the comment!
Secondary will come down to about 250-300, but glad Makers is releasing something age stated.
Yeah I'm glad they are as well. I'm not ruling out picking one up in that 250-300 range if I can trade something for it. I would like to own a bottle to really sit with and explore. Cheers!
Don’t think so, secondary is actually going up quite quickly. Started around $350 now around $425-$450.
@@jimmatthews6150saw $725 from two places now that the daily allocation at the distillery has ended. I’m with you. I think this first edition will remain high and go higher
Far has I know bottle not been released but mostly likely the internet/secondary just putting prices at there to get hooks in you
Bottle has been released - it’s been circulating for a few days now
@@DrumsAndDrams when did maker say it was released
@@Freedomishere-im6ug they said September it was coming, but often these special releases drop early before official press releases come out from distilleries
Got mine a little over a week ago in AZ
I have never been a Maker’s fan, but this bottle is special. I was lucky to get 1 bottle and then another as a backup, both at msrp. This along with the M10B are 2 of my favorite bottles this year.
Nice review. I'd like to find a bottle at $150, but I'm sure that'll never happen.
That’s exactly how I feel about it. Hopefully older Maker’s can become more of a staple in the future 🤞
Not a big Maker's fan or hater , but I'm pulled on this one $150 , I can buy a lot of bottles that I know I like for $50 or less.
Nothing burger. Unicorn. Never will find it. Won’t pay 5x the price for secondary.
Same
sec is 3X
@@rickbradley7879 🙄
Over six minutes to even smell the whiskey…
Hey man, guess what I said at the 30 second mark? That I was gonna talk a lot and that you could skip ahead. AND I provided a time stamp to get you there easily. So what’s the problem? Up late drinking on a Saturday night, just looking to troll? Sheesh.
These are already rare no where to be found and shot up to 400.00 ...........so once again here we go with the hoarders and others making it impossible to enjoy.......
Fred is a shill. But it does put food on his table 🤷🏼♂️
You could talk underwater with a mouthful of marbles, get to the point my man !!!
There’s a timestamp in the description.
@@DrumsAndDrams Correct, and it drags out to 13.05.. it doesn't take 7 min to describe what fruity and dairy notes your smelling and tasting...... 3min tops then a score out of 10 .
Thanks for the feedback!
Great review!