While Maker’s Mark FAE-01 was all about the flavors involved in barrel extraction, Maker’s Mark FAE-02 focuses instead on texture. To do this, Maker’s Mark instead used French Oak (leading to more vanilla that is typically associated with French oak, compared to the banana and spice from American). Using new techniques, Maker’s double heat treated the staves with both infrared (to make caramel notes) and flame (aiming at making vanilla elements). This is markedly different than Maker’s Mark FAE-01 where only one side of the American oak stave was seared. So how does it compare?
Maker’s Mark FAE-02 – Wood Finishing Series
Maker’s Mark FAE-02 is produced starting from fully matured Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Once fully matured, 10 virgin toasted French Oak Staves were added.
- Age: NAS
- Proof: 109.1 (54.55% ABV)
- Finishing: 10 Virgin Toasted French Oak Staves
Sight: Between Olosoro Sherry and Russet Muscat
Smell: The nose has a bit of heat to start things out, but presents with a healthy touch of vanilla and mocha out of the gate. The nose has a richness to it, and leans into a freshly roasted coffee beans and jammy cherry notes. The vanilla here is heavy, with a bean like aromatic quality and a pastry cream style richness. A light spicing and plum / roasted fig note join with some dried currants. Overall, the nose has a lot going on once you can pass the heat.
Sip: The body is smooth with heavy notes of oak, vanilla, cigar box, and touches of spice. The spices give a slight dryness to the body, and then opens up with a creaminess. The cherry and plum notes here are present, but well behind the vanilla cream notes that run throughout. The creaminess of the body really is the star here, with it being full, smooth, rich, and loaded with vanilla notes. A hint of coffee with cream and creme brulee can be found.
Savor: The vanilla and aromatics carry over onto the finish, and pull in a good amount of spices that linger. The finish gets more oaky with a bit of fire roasted marshmallows and charry sugar.
Maker’s Mark FAE-02 is richly textured and heavily vanilla laden. Those expecting caramel and fruit will find more oak forward flavors that are well balanced and textured. While there are layers, they’re variations on vanilla and coffee shop kind of notes. Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy going sipper that has a pleasing texture that’s worth exploring.
In Cocktails
Just like it’s sibling Maker’s Mark FAE-01, you’re unlikely to be reaching for Maker’s Mark FAE-02 to make a cocktail. Let’s say you were to make a Manhattan though. It turns out it’s rich, surprisingly spice forward, and has a nice French vanilla coffee undercurrent. The subtle sweetness of the vermouth comes out as well, with a good amount of cherry and plum. As it warms up, it becomes a complete vanilla bomb, ranging from extract to bean. While this is amazing and it is a good Manhattan, it might not be worth the price of admission if you’re trying to make drinks.
In Review – Maker’s Mark FAE-02 – Wood Finishing Series
Maker’s Mark FAE-02 is tasty on it’s own, and makes a reasonable cocktail. While this bottle is enjoyable, it doesn’t break a lot of new ground, and instead highlights the texture that Maker’s can achieve. If you happen to be a diehard Maker’s Mark fan, this might be worth $60 to you, but for most individuals, you’re going to want to find a pour of this in a bar or from a friend. Preferably next to FAE-01 so you can see what Maker’s was trying to show off (and would have been better selling me a 375ml twin pack).