Maker’s Mark, SFWBSS SP, ‘Separation Anxiety”, Recipe: 22051, 56.2%
Another Maker’s pick?! I’ve made it no secret in the past that, on average, I don’t consider Maker’s products anything special, though their limited releases occasionally hit that magical balance I enjoy. This is a single-cask pick by the SFWBSS group, of which I am a member, so it’s only prudent to share my thoughts. The nose leans heavily into vanilla sugars and caramel, with almost none of the bourbon funk that sometimes plagues the spirit, plus a whiff of dry wood—more Home Depot lumber aisle than workshop. The palate is surprisingly clean, again free of yeast notes, instead offering a light cherry note followed by toasted spices and balanced by vanilla wood. The finish carries the same spices and lingers nicely. Overall, this is a surprisingly good Maker’s pick, whether due to luck, stave combination, or both, ranking among the most enjoyable Maker’s releases I’ve had. It even gives the impression of a very stiff Manhattan, which I love. Value: At $69, the value is pretty darn solid.
Score: B+
Metamodernity Straight Bourbon, 52.5%
A straight bourbon from Matchbook Distilling in NY, made from a 67/21/12 (corn/rye/malted barley) mash bill. On the nose, it offers candied ginger and dried grass with a touch of oak and vanilla extract. The palate brings overripe bananas, pepper, ginger, grassy notes, and an unexpected sesame nuance, followed by an aftertaste of sweet oak, vanilla, pepper, grass, and more sesame. Overall, it’s an unusual flavor profile that fits well in the “variety” category on my shelf—definitely not for classic Kentucky bourbon purists. Approached with an open mind, it delivers unique, non-traditional flavors that are interesting without being off-putting. Picked up on clearance for $43, it’s great value; at the $100 MSRP, it’s worth trying but not necessarily worth a full bottle.
Score: B
Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend, 55.85%
Old Elk’s Cigar Cut Island Blend is a marriage of three robust straight whiskeys—bourbon, rye, and wheat—each aged at least six years and finished in a variety of casks including Sherry, Port, Rum, and Sauternes (plus a few extras). The nose is lively and layered, weaving between the base spirits and their cask influences, with bourbon richness, rye spice, and a hint of rum funk. It’s reminiscent of a soft, sweet rye that’s bold yet balanced. The palate mirrors the nose—sweet, spicy, and multi-layered—without letting any one element dominate. A warm, lingering finish brings toasted oak, baking spices, and a touch of chili cinnamon. Overall, this is an excellent whiskey blend with precise balance and superb integration, offering a cohesive and engaging experience. Highly recommended for most drinkers, though perhaps not for the staunchest Kentucky bourbon traditionalists. Value-wise, I scored mine on clearance, making it an easy win; at full MSRP, I’d be more hesitant, though it still outshines many bottles in its price range.
Score: A-
Ruou De; Rice Whiskey, 45%
A spirit distilled from rice and slightly aged, it opens with a nose that’s yeasty and pungent—in a somewhat good way—though still reminiscent of a soft newmake. The palate is velvety and soft, with a hint of yeastiness that’s thankfully overshadowed by floral notes and a sweet, gentle texture, almost like drinking unflavored mochi. The aftertaste unfortunately brings back some of the newmake character, though it’s tempered by sweet vanilla and a touch of chili. Overall, it’s soft, light, somewhat funky, sweet, and interesting to try, but not my preferred style of distillate. Value: N/A, free sample.
Score: Meh
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Scoring Breakdown: https://www.aerin.or … age=scores_breakdown