November 17, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Wayne and I were excited to try a bottle that I discovered at our local Costco. I had heard nothing about the Lost Recipe Series by Maker’s Mark, but once I read the label, I was captivated by its unique stave combination, particularly the inclusion of the archived Roasted French Mocha stave. The impressive 111.9 proof and the reasonable price of $51.99 sealed the deal for me, prompting an immediate purchase.
Lost Recipe Series Edition #01 uses:
1 Baked American Pure 2 stave,
3 Seared French Cuvée staves, and
6 Roasted French Mocha staves.
Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01, Mocha
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Age – NAS, as least 4 years by rule.
Release – Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01
Proof – 111.9
Price Paid – $51.99 (plus tax)
Color – Medium mahogany.
Aroma – Mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a hint of cherry.
Tasted Neat – Coffee, mocha, cherry, and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish – Lingers in a very pleasant way. Toasted barrel flavors, toasted mocha, some nutmeg.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Brightened it with citrus notes but muted the mocha flavors and minimized the finish.
Tasted with a pecan – Intensified the chocolate and coffee notes, pecan is present, the finish is medium and cinnamon forward.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Barrel notes came forward, overall it is very creamy and reminds us of a very frothy chocolate mocha with heavy whipped cream on top that is sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Final Notes and Video
While not an identical flavor profile as the Maker’s Mark Heart Release over the summer – which featured caramel and chocolate – this could be a nice substitute for anyone who was unable to locate that bottle due to its more limited release.
The tasting experience for this release is outstanding. Its color exudes a rich medium mahogany. The aromas confidently showcase an inviting nose featuring mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of cherry. Upon the first sip, the mocha coffee takes center stage, complemented by hints of cherry and cinnamon. The finish is impressively prolonged, leaving a satisfying impression of toasted barrel, toasted mocha, and nutmeg.
This mocha flavor profile by Maker’s Mark at 111.9 proof is excellent. Being in the $50-range, it makes sense to add this to your bourbon collection as it is something that your guests might enjoy as well as you. We have already acquired a backup bottle as we plan to enjoy this frequently this winter.
Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
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