Review of Mark’s Cask Strength Bourbon from Stable Rock Distillery

Key Takeaways:

• The historic Stable Rock Distillery sits in a 1903 building once used as a livery and blacksmith shop.
• The Bourbon, distilled by 45th Parallel, was aged 6.5 years and bottled at 57.43% ABV.
• Mark’s Cask Strength Bourbon features a mash bill of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye.
• The Bourbon’s namesake is a ghost believed to roam the premises.
• Limited availability means enthusiasts can only find it at the distillery (and possibly Lewis Station Winery).

The Historic Roots

Stable Rock Distillery occupies a historic property at 123 Milwaukee Street, which was originally constructed in 1903 as Boll’s Livery & Blacksmith Shop. Over the decades, the building played host to an auto livery service, a Buick garage, and even a seed company before falling into disrepair. Rob and Michelle Lewis rescued it from demolition in 2020, restoring the structure to open both a winery and a distillery on July 11 of that year.

A Ghost Named Mark

According to local lore, a spirit named Mark has resided at Stable Rock long before it was transformed into a distillery. The owners decided to name their latest Bourbon release in his honor, hoping that “the angel’s share” would bring this restless spirit a dose of solace. Whether he finds peace remains unconfirmed, but the legend adds to the mystique surrounding every pour.

A Collaboration with 45th Parallel

While Stable Rock houses the Bourbon, Mark’s Cask Strength Bourbon was actually distilled by 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin. This single-barrel spirit, matured in a medium-charred Ozark white oak barrel, reached 6.5 years in age before it was bottled at 57.43% ABV (114.86°). The mash bill of 60% corn, 12.5% wheat, 15% malted barley, and 12.5% rye gives it a balance of sweetness and spice. At $75 a bottle and available primarily on-site, Mark’s Cask Strength Bourbon invites enthusiasts to seek it out in Lake Mills.

Tasting Notes and Reception

The whiskey’s aroma hints at chocolate and brown sugar, while the palate delivers an array of flavors—from milk chocolate and roasted almonds to caramel and a touch of cinnamon. Despite its barrel-proof strength, many tasters report it drinks smoother than its 114.86° might suggest, requiring no additional water or ice. This complexity unfolds further with each sip, offering notes of hazelnuts, cherries, and sweet oak.

Preserving the Past Through Whiskey

Ultimately, Mark’s Cask Strength Bourbon stands as a testament to Wisconsin’s craft distilling resurgence and underscores how history can live on in liquid form. By inviting visitors to #DrinkCurious (as the original review put it), Stable Rock Distillery presents an experience that blends folklore, historical preservation, and inventive spirit-making in every bottle.