Crafting the “Bradentucky Batch”: A Maker’s Mark Private Selection Story
Bourbon is more than a spirit—it’s an art form. For enthusiasts who appreciate the complexity of flavors and the craft behind every bottle, Maker’s Mark offers a unique opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind expression of their iconic bourbon through the Private Selection program. This article takes you through the journey of making the “Bradentucky Batch,” a custom bourbon blend designed by a team of passionate creators, highlighting the purpose and process behind this exceptional experience.
The Purpose of Maker’s Mark Private Selection
Introduced in 2015, the Maker’s Mark Private Selection program provides bourbon enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases the vital role of wood in shaping bourbon’s flavor. Participants in the program get to craft a completely custom bourbon by selecting from five distinct wood stave profiles, resulting in a unique taste profile. The goal? To celebrate the individuality of flavor preferences and create a bourbon that reflects the vision of its creators.
How It Works
The Private Selection journey begins with a fully matured Maker’s Mark at cask strength, aged from 5.75 to 7 years. Participants then chose ten wood finishing staves from five profiles to influence the flavor of their barrel. The stave profiles are as follows:
- Baked American Pure 2 (BP): Adds warm notes of brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, and spice.
- Seared French Cuvée (Cu): Infuses toasty oak and caramel flavors.
- Maker’s 46 (46): Known for delivering dried fruit, vanilla, and spice.
- Roasted French Mendiant (Mn): Imparts hints of milk chocolate, nuts, and dried dark fruit.
- Toasted French Spice (Sp): Offers bold notes of smoke, coumarin, and spice.
After the stave selection, the barrel is aged for an additional nine weeks in Maker’s limestone cellar, where the wood imparts its flavors to the bourbon. The result is bottled at cask strength (108–114 proof), and details of the stave combination are handwritten on the label.
The Journey to the “Bradentucky Batch”
In April 2024, Michael’s team, led by Maker’s Mark Ambassador DeNiro Fisher, set out to create their own Private Selection. The “Bradentucky Batch” combined two unique flavor visions into a seamless blend. On one hand, the goal was to achieve smooth caramel, vanilla, and honey notes with minimal heat on the palate. On the other hand, a desire for bold spice, cinnamon, and the nose-clearing heat of higher proofs brought complexity to the mix.
After hours of tasting and refining, the team landed on the following stave combination:
- (2) Baked American Pure 2
- (5) Seared French Cuvée
- (2) Maker’s 46
- (1) Roasted French Mendiant
This blends balanced sweetness and spice, delivering a bourbon that reflects the passion and creativity of its makers.
From Barrel to Bottle
Once the final combination was selected, the barrel was specially fitted with the chosen staves and aged for nine weeks in the cool conditions of Maker’s limestone cellar. At the end of this process, the “Bradentucky Batch” was bottled at cask strength (110.9 proof) and yielded 146 bottles, each showcasing the unique flavor journey of its creation.
Tasting Notes: The “Bradentucky Batch”
The “Bradentucky Batch” is a testament to the art of blending and the impact of wood on bourbon. Here’s what you can expect when savoring this unique bottle:
- Nose: A warm and inviting aroma of oak and caramel.
- Palate: An initial burst of cinnamon and red-hot candy quickly gives way to layers of sweet caramel, spicy vanilla, brown sugar, and a hint of clove.
- Finish: Smooth and satisfying, leaving a pleasant warmth that lingers.
Why This Process Matters
The Maker’s Mark Private Selection process isn’t just about creating bourbon and telling a story. It’s an opportunity for participants to express their individuality and leave their mark on a centuries-old tradition. The “Bradentucky Batch” is more than a bottle—it celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
The Maker’s Mark Private Selection program offers an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate bourbon and its many complexities. The “Bradentucky Batch” is a shining example of what’s possible when passion, precision, and creativity come together. Cheers to the art of bourbon and the stories it inspires!