Maker's Mark Cask Strength Bourbon - an ideal whiskey for Derby Day.

Photo illustration: Brad Japhe

Last week we revealed the big winner for world’s best overall whiskey at the 2026 London Spirits Competition. If you didn’t see the surprising choice, check it out here. But in honor of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, it’s time to set our sights on one specific style of whiskey in particular – or ‘whisky,’ as the case may be.

As a very brief refresher, LSC evaluates its entrants based upon three metrics: quality, value and appearance on shelf. For its 2026 iteration, the judges convened in March and awarded bottles scores out of 100. In late April, those scores were announced to the public. Earning 96 points this year – higher than any other bourbon in the field – was Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, a modern variation on a classic Kentucky whisky (yes, the distillery spells its American spirit without the ‘e,’ in an homage to the founding family’s Scottish roots).

Though the original Maker’s Mark has enjoyed status as one of the top-selling bourbons on shelves since the early 1960s, the Cask Strength offering is almost obscure by comparison. Almost. It first debuted in earnest back in 2014 as a limited release, available only in 375ml half-size bottles. Following initial success, it became a permanent portfolio extension in the summer of 2016 and has been sold in full-sized bottles ever since.

Cask Strength brandishes the same DNA as the Maker’s Mark flagship in every way: it is a wheated whisky using around 16% of that grain in its mashbill, alongside 70% corn and 14% malted barley. It is non-age-stated, though generally accepted to be matured for roughly six years in charred American oak. The only difference, as you can discern from the name, is that it offers a higher alcohol content than the 90-proof original. The exact proof of Cask Strength varies from batch to batch, but typically ranges from 107 to 114.

As such, it takes everything bourbon lovers enjoy about the signature product and dials it up in intensity. A nose of cinnamon dusted cherries are vibrant upon the initial pour. Tree bark spice and more dark fruit emerges upon the palate. A lively, warming winter spice clings to the tongue as the liquid goes down, leaving you to contemplate dried vanilla pods as you prepare for successive sips.

In so many ways it is the epitomization of Kentucky’s most prized liquid offering. And one that is readily available on shelves for around $45 a bottle. The fact that LSC judges take presentation into account probably didn’t hurt its score, either. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength wears the same trademarked red wax dipped top and tendrils that has distinguished the iconic brand for nearly 70 years.

All in all, it’s a perfect bottle to pull out on Derby Day: a true Kentucky Classic for the most important annual holiday in Bluegrass Country. And a sensible choice to anchor a particularly punchy Mint Julep presentation.

Remember, all you need for that classic is 2.5 ounces of bourbon, along with 4-5 fresh mint sprigs and 2 sugar cubes. Muddle the mint and sweetener in a metal drink cup, add in whisky and crushed ice, stir and serve (with smacked mint leaves as aromatic garnish). Sturdy yet refreshing and – like the award-winning bourbon at its base – a reliable go-to regardless of whether or not you’re pairing it with the world’s most famous horserace.