This post is brought to you by…me, dammit. Yes, I still have a ton of samples that I should probably get to (and those will take up most of the coming weeks), but this one is something I recently picked up at Costco. At least in my area, Costco items don’t last long on the shelf, so since it’s timely, I thought it should jump the queue.
I know nothing about this particular product beyond what’s printed on the bottle. I reached out to Maker’s Mark PR, but they never returned my email. Here’s what I know from the label: it features the use of a finishing stave that used to be part of the Private Select program but was retired a few years ago—the “Roasted French Mocha” stave. I was always a big fan of that one, so it was nice to see it return. The label also says the series will feature recipe combinations that have never been used before and will include a retired stave in each recipe.
That’s what I know for sure. There are also rumors online that this particular release is a Costco exclusive. I know that’s the only place I’ve seen it. But I don’t visit a lot of liquor stores these days, so take that as you will.
Since there’s not much information available, let’s get to the important part: how does this one taste? Please keep in mind that I’m a Maker’s Mark fan, so if you’re not, you might want to grade on a curve with this one.
Maker's Mark The Lost Recipe Series, Edition 01, 2024
Purchase Info: $58.99 for a 700 mL bottle at Costco, Burnsville, MN
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.21
Details: 55.95% ABV. Makers Mark Private Select Stave Profile: 1-Baked American Pure 2, 3-Seared French Cuvée, and 6-Roasted French Mocha.
Nose: Chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and banana bread.
Mouth: Almond, chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, and red fruit.
Finish: Medium length and warm. Notes of almond, caramel, cinnamon, and oak.
Thoughts: This is incredibly drinkable neat. Even at about 112° proof, you don’t need water or ice. It’s sweet with nice baking spices. This is a very tasty pour, and I’m really enjoying it.
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