Since the series’ debut in 2022, Maker’s Mark has travelled the world through its Wood Finishing City Series. Now, the collection concludes with the London Edition, exclusively available at London Heathrow Airport.
Previous expressions in the series have seen the brand visit Singapore, New York City, Sydney, and Frankfurt.
The London Edition was made in collaboration with friends Douglas McMaster, chef and owner of Silo London, and Ryan Chetiyawardana (know as ‘Mr Lyan’), cocktail bartender and owner of White Lyan. The London-based entrepreneurs worked together to capture London’s essence in a Maker’s Mark bottle.
Chetiyawardana commented: “London is a very complex city, so to try and represent all the facets that make it so exciting, we looked to create a sense of dynamism, and almost contradiction, within the whisky. Building on the Maker’s Mark character, we looked to balance deep spice with something more fleeting, floral and elegant — to have something that was simultaneously bold yet elegant, and with a long trail of spice on the palate. It’s a gem of a whisky to seek out, and one that we hope does justice to both London, and to the amazing efforts of Maker’s Mark.”
McMaster added: “Our contribution for this collaboration was as unconventional as we are. Welcomed with sincere appreciation for our lateral thinking, we have made something truly magical, one of a kind. We closed the loop on flavour, we made London proud, we made the drinkers think. Maker’s Mark, thank you for letting myself and Mr Lyan join your family. Our collaboration was fleeting, but the magic will live on… At least for 720 beguiling bottles.”
Maker’s Mark describes the London Edition as having “punchy spice, fruit, tang, and sweet caramel”. As in the rest of the Wood Finishing City Series, the distillery uses its wood stave-finishing technique to enhance its bourbon.
The launch of the limited-edition expression is accompanied by an ‘experiential activation’ in Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. The activation features a tasting bar, tastemaker information, brand ambassadors, and the Gold Rush, Maker’s Mark’s signature cocktail.
Beam Suntory brand marketing director global travel retail Manuel Gonzalez said: “Our goal is to build Maker’s Mark into a global US whisky icon, and pioneering new product development and consumer-first brand experiences will play a key role in achieving this objective. This London Edition spotlights our clear craftmanship credentials, while offering a one-of-a-kind taste profile.”
