John and Linda Lipman came down to Louisville last night and Joined me for dinner at Bourbon's Bistro. I used this for an excuse to open one of the two old Maker's Mark that is a gold wax, 86 proof bottled from product selected by Bill Samuels for Marie and Bud. It is very dark in color and at only 86 proof I am guessing it is in the 10 to 12 years old range.
We joined in this by Susan and her friend Joanne. Everybody drank the first drink with a toast to Marie and Bud as we drank it neat in Glencairn glasses at the bar of Bourbon's Bistro. It was very sweet on the nose with lots of caramel and fruity apricot and maybe a hint of ripe pears. The taste matched the nose with a burst of flavorful caramel and fruit with some nutty pecan and and a hint of oak tannin. It was very nice in the finish with sweet vanilla lasting a respectable long time in the mouth. A great bourbon.
We started with a full bottle and I now have about 1/4 bottle as the owners John and Jason, the bartenders Allan and Margo shared in our tasting experience. Before I left, Jason's lovely wife Becky came by and I had to share the experience with her as well. (She is just about as big a bourbon fan as her husband!) On the whole it was a great night with a great bourbon.
Mike Veach