Maker's Mark 101 Proof Bourbon (750mL)

Maker’s Mark 101 Proof Bourbon pairs soft baking-spice, oak and apple-butter aromas with dried fig, butterscotch and vanilla on the palate. The producer’s finish notes include white chocolate and dried fruit, with a lengthy, robust character. This higher-proof version of the classic Maker’s recipe gives drinkers a fixed-strength expression to explore alongside the brand’s standard bourbon and separately named Cask Strength bottling.

Begin with a small neat pour, then add water a few drops at a time if you prefer. For a cocktail, try a Whiskey Sour, adjusting lemon and sugar after tasting so the fruit and spice stay in balance. A small dried fig is a pairing to test against the published palate notes.

How it’s made: Maker’s Mark uses its classic bourbon recipe for this Kentucky straight bourbon, bottling at 101 proof, equivalent to 50.5% ABV.