Maker’s Mark Bourbon, in partnership with The LEE Initiative, has launched the limited-edition CommUNITY Batch Bourbon, a special release that supports trade and hospitality partners across the country.

This whisky was created by blending Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrels from 37 different restaurants, bars and retailers.

The collaborative release of the CommUNITY Batch continues the pair’s commitment to helping the bar and restaurant community in a time of need.

“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,” says Lee. “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.”

On Dec. 1, The LEE Initiative and Maker’s Mark will host virtual events that extend philanthropic efforts. 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.

To create the CommUNITY Batch, Maker’s Mark tapped 37 industry partners to lend their bespoke Maker’s Mark Private Selection bourbon recipes for blending in this one-of-a-kind limited release:

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 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.

The resulting characteristics and company-provided tasting notes 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 subtle spice
• Taste: Round, dark with cured tobacco, notes of dried fruit — like prunes or figs — along with baking spices before a viscous finish that’s astringent and oily

“We’ve been honored to be able to help so many of our friends in the bar and restaurant industry over the past few months through our work with The LEE Initiative,” said Rob Samuels, chief distillery officer of Maker’s Mark. “When we asked our retail partners across the country if they’d be willing to donate their prized Private Selection recipes for this additional fundraising effort, we were blown away at the response. Seeing the community come together in this way has not only produced an exceptional bourbon, but a path towards providing the continued support that we’re fully committed to.”

The suggested retail price for Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch Bourbon is $70 per 750-ml. bottle.

This follows the recent release of Maker’s Mark 2020 Limited Release bourbon whiskey.