This is the the first release in the Wood Finishing Series from Maker’s Mark, and is an offshoot of the Private Select program that lets retailers, bars, and restaurants customize a Maker’s Mark bottling by using a variety of finishing staves. RC6 was one of the stave profiles developed for that program, and uses staves seasoned for 18 months before being placed into barrels and filled with the traditional Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

The nose has notes of peaches, apricots, and red apples, along with honey, vanilla, muted spices, and a hint of sawdust. The taste is slightly dry at first with a good slow buildup of clove and cinnamon spices that don’t overpower fruitier notes of peaches and apricots, while a touch of honey adds complexity and character in the background. The finish is long and smooth with a good fruity character. (January, 2020)