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Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch Bourbon Aims To Help Hospitality Sector

Maker’s Mark is a bourbon brand known for having a fiercely loyal following, particularly among bartenders and the like in the hospitality sector. With the continuing economic shutdowns brought on because of the pandemic, the Kentucky distillery is now looking to return the love in a big way, creating a special fundraising bourbon for those in need that is quite unique in the way it was crafted.

The new Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch Bourbon, according to those behind it, is a special release bourbon created exclusively to support trade and hospitality partners across the country. It is a first of its kind in that it was created by “blending Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrels from 37 distinguished restaurants, bars and retailers across the country.” Here’s specifically how it was made:

  • First, Maker’s Mark created individual barrels of Private Selection Bourbon by taking fully-matured cask strength Maker’s Mark and finishing it with each partner’s unique combination of ten barrel staves for an additional nine weeks in the Maker’s Mark Cellar.
  • Once finished, the whisky from the barrels was blended and filled back into the barrels to rest for an additional five weeks to allow the subtle nuances of the custom bourbon to properly integrate.
  • The resulting characteristics of the CommUNITY Batch include:
    • Stave Contributions: P2 (13%), CU (24%), 46 (20%), Mo (27%) and SP (16%)
    • Proof: 107.7
    • Aroma:  Caramel and almond up front with dark fruits, cherry, chocolate and very subtle spice
    • Taste:  Round, dark with cured tobacco, heavy notes of dried fruit, like prunes or figs, along with soft, but dry baking spices.  There’s a long, viscous finish that hangs around; it’s an incredible balance of astringent and oily.

What you’ve ended up with here is a special expression that will find 100% of bottle proceeds benefiting The LEE Initiative in its mission to create a more diverse and equitable restaurant industry. This charity has established a Restaurant Workers Relief Program that’s been ongoing since shortly after the pandemic hit, to date supporting the food and beverage community by providing more than 500,000 freshly cooked meals and much needed supplies across 19 relief kitchens nationwide.

Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Bourbon
Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Bourbon (image via Maker’s Mark)

“To have the continued support of a partner like Maker’s Mark is inspiring to us, as we try to navigate this difficult time, and offer our community the means of both survival and growth,” said Edward Lee, James Beard Award Winning author, restaurateur, chef and founder of the LEE Initiative, in a prepared statement. “The commitment of Maker’s Mark, and the willingness of their partners to step up and help, speaks volumes to the character of the brand and the people behind, and we are so thankful to partner with them on this incredible bourbon.”

How it will work is that, “on #GivingTuesday (Dec. 1, 2020), The LEE Initiative and Maker’s Mark will host virtual events that extend philanthropic efforts even further. Individuals aged 21 years or older who make a suggested donation towards a CommUNITY Batch bottle will be invited to join a virtual tasting hosted by Chef Lee and Maker’s Mark Director of Innovation, Jane Bowie. For every attendee who joins, Maker’s Mark will donate one meal through LEE Initiative efforts.”

It was noted by the brand that Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch Bourbon is available via The LEE Initiative in select cities where Maker’s Mark Private Selection partners are located. Suggested donation begins at $70.00please visit LeeInitiative.org for additional details on how to get a bottle.

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