Edition #1
2024 Release

The first release in the Lost Recipe Series features the return of the Roasted French Mocha stave for layers of dark chocolate and buttery pastry, and notes of baked apple.

At Maker’s Mark, we created a proprietary wood finishing process to explore unique expressions of our signature bourbon, originally crafted by my grandparents in 1953.

For years, our Private Selection program has allowed our closest friends and family to create their own version of Maker’s Mark by developing a custom barrel recipe with 10 hand-selected wood staves. After retiring our first stave, we were curious to see if there were any hidden gems that were never found among the 1,001 possible recipe combinations.

The Lost Recipe Series shares these unique recipes that have never been tasted before and that will never be made again, each crafted with a retired stave from our Private Selection archives. We hope you enjoy this special find as much as we do.

Stave Profiles:

Baked American Pure 2: Vanilla, honey and bright fruit.

Seared French Cuvee: Creamy, toasted caramel, almond.

Maker’s Mark 46: Dried fruit, baking spices, caramel.

Roasted French Mocha: Dark chocolate, coffee, dried fruit.

Toasted French Spice: Clove, ripe fruit, orange peel.

“This is incredibly drinkable neat. Even at about 112 proof, you dont need water or ice. Its sweet with nice baking spices. This is a very tasty pour, and Im really enjoying it.” – Eric Burke, Bourbon Guy

“Makers Mark is not a distillery I love, but they absolutely nailed this (older) release. They really shocked me with this release.” – Brad’s Bourbon Reviews

“The most Chocolate bourbon ever??” – Whiskey Bank

“This is absolutely delicious, and if you hear me Makersbring back the Mocha stave! There is so much great flavor in here that I had to pour a little bit of another Makers bottle I love, the BEP, to compare. The BEP was a lot spicier on the nose than this, and going between the two really highlighted how creamy, chocolaty, and oaky the Mocha is. All of those decadent sweet notes are like a killer dessert, and with the addition of the dried berries, allspice, and espresso everything just comes together. Not that price is a factor in my scores, but the fact that this was $60 absolutely blows me away considering how delicious it is. Overall this is a pour that would be a great cap off to a nice dinner and earns an excellent 8/10 on the t8ke scale.” – /r/bourbon (TheBourbonBranch)

“I will not deny that Makers Mark Lost Recipes #1 is a good pour – not exactly the one I was expecting but a good pour, nonetheless. While I expected a deep, rich, mocha-like experience because of all of those Roasted French Mocha staves, what I got instead was a brighter, fruitier, warming pour that was incredibly easy to drink. The nose and the burst of flavor at the front of the palate are fantastic but at times can lose steam halfway through. I still find Cellar Aged a more compelling flavor experience while the normal Makers Mark Cask Strength remains a better overall value. But if youre looking for your next cozy, sipping winter whisky, Makers Mark Lost Recipes #1 is a little look back in time that offers a compelling pour for those who can find it!” – Chris Ellis, The Whisky Study (89 Points)

“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.” – Rebecca & Wayne, Your Bourbon Journey