New limited-edition bourbon tastes like Ontario in a bottle

Imagine sitting down at a bar, telling the bartender what type of drink you typically enjoy, and having them make one uniquely and perfectly for you. Maker’s Mark, in collaboration with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), has done just that, releasing an exciting, new limited-edition bourbon. 

This unique bourbon, Maker’s Mark Private Select Director’s Cut 2.0, is the product of Maker’s Mark Private Select, a first-of-its-kind barrel program allowing retail or restaurant partners the opportunity to create a customized finish and taste profile that’s uniquely their own.

Crafted with the same care as all other Maker’s Mark expressions and sealed with the iconic red wax, this whiskey has been thoughtfully made with the specific palates of Ontarians in mind.

Maker’s Mark

It starts with a lesson in tradition.

“[Participants will] come down, we’ll spend some time with them, touring the grounds, really diving deep with them into the history of Maker’s Mark,” says American Whiskey Brand Ambassador, Ray Daniel.

The handmade process begins with fully matured Maker’s Mark straight out of the barrel, and then partners are given the opportunity to customize their liquid by choosing from a selection of wood staves, which are special blocks of wood that boast different flavour profiles.

“We explain the wood staves, how they’re cooked, and what sort of flavour each individual stave will enhance within an expression. From there, we do a bit of a blending exercise,” says Daniel.

Once the preferred wood combination is selected, the combination is submerged into its own custom barrel and aged for an additional nine weeks, making a custom liquid.

After the additional aging process, the liquid is bottled, corked, and dipped at cask strength with details such as proof and stave combinations handwritten on the label.

Maker’s Mark Private Select Bourbon

This is the second time the Maker’s Mark Private Select program is being made available in Ontario and the liquid found in each bottle is made with four different stave combinations for an entirely unique (and delicious) bourbon.

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Maker’s Mark Private Select Director’s Cut 2.0 features Seared French Cuvée, Baked American Pure 2, Roasted French Mocha, and Toasted French Spice wood staves. These four flavours combine to make a well-rounded whiskey that’s creamy and complex on the palate, has a mouth-watering feel, and boasts notes of bright honey, caramel, and baking spice.

If you’re wondering what the best way to enjoy this rare bourbon is, take Daniel’s advice: “Taste it at its bottling point first. Then add a little bit of water and try some ice in it. If you’re enjoying the way you drink it, then enjoy it that way.”

Whether you enjoy a dram during the snowy winter months or showcase it proudly on your liquor shelf year-round, this truly one-of-a-kind Maker’s Mark Private Select Bourbon was made to be enjoyed by Ontarians.

With only 480 bottles of Maker’s Mark Private Select Director’s Cut 2.0 produced, this limited-time expression is ultra-rare and something you’ll want to get your hands on quickly. Each 750ml bottle is $89.95 plus applicable taxes, so act fast because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

Visit select local LCBO stores beginning March to pick up a bottle.