Wood Finishing Series Archives – Whiskey for the Ages

Maker’s Mark BEP

Posted on 24-September-202324-September-2023 by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Maker’s Mark BEP Review:

reviewed 22-September-2023

MAKER’S MARK BEP BOURBON REVIEW:

Maker’s Mark BEP (Maker’s BEP) offers a warm and balanced sensory experience. The aroma and taste profiles are a harmonious blend of fruity notes, which feature red berries, plum, and raisin, paired with subtle spices like ginger and pepper. Yeasty qualities of wheat toast and pie crust meld with the sweetness of brown sugar caramel and honey, while light molasses adds depth. Light vanilla accents hints of cashew mixed in the presence of oak. Each sip is creamy and becomes oily over time, while the warm finish is dry and long with sensations reminiscent of those found on the nose and in the palate.

MAKER’S MARK BEP VITAL STATS:

Category: Wood Finishing Series
Region: Loretto, Ky
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: 110
Age: nas
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 54.8% (109.6 Proof)
NABCA CSC #:
Fair price: $98.64 (BoozApp, September 2023)
Paid: $69.95 (Idaho, Summer 2023)

This limited-release bourbon showcases the influence of Maker’s® unique, 110 barrel entry proof (also known as BEP)

For bourbon, this process delivers more flavor, smoothness, even color. The extra water helps improve the congener concentration, which imparts flavors of caramel, vanilla and baking spice. These decrease as BEPs increase.

Learn more at Maker’s Mark.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

On Day 22 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, approximately four ounces from a newly opened bottle went into my Glencairn. After posting on social media and nosing the pour for the review, about 30 minutes had gone by before taking my first sip.

MAKER’S MARK BEP NOSE:

Maker’s BEP offers warm aromas of fruit tree blossoms mix with fresh notes of sweet corn and wheat. In the scent, hints of red berries nectar, maraschino cherries, and plum, blend with a trace of powdered ginger and nutmeg. There’s also a yeasty quality in which I sense wheat toast and pie crust, with a faint hint chocolate chips. Light vanilla notes mingle with a sweetness similar to caramel corn, simple syrup, light brown sugar, and honey, along with a touch of cashew nuttiness. As I breath in, the gentle presence of light oak and piney woodiness, create fresh and light undertones.

MAKER’S MARK BEP PALATE:

Maker’s BEP combines a warm potpourri of blossoms and herbs with sweet corn and wheaty notes. In the blend I taste notes of apricot, currants, plum, and freshly dried raisin flavors. These fruity elements are balanced by a subtle acidity and hints of ginger and black pepper spice. I get a sensation reminiscent of fresh baked wheat bread with faint bittersweet chocolate undertones and light vanilla accents. As I savor, I pick up notes of caramel corn, brown sugar, dark honey, and light molasses, coupled with a touch of hazelnut. Each sip reveals seasoned dry oak and toasted wood char, keeping the overall profile simple and approachable.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
I find Maker’s BEP has a pleasing balance. Its aromas and flavors of fruit align with those of wood, and pare nicely with the flora and spice. Notablyof note however, sweetness in the pour possesses a slightly greater intensity. Each sip exhibits creaminess and viscosity, and exhibits increased oiliness with prolonged holding. In the glass, a thin crown of rapidly descending droplets is suspended in the bowl. Following each sip, closely spaced clinging legs swiftly form, to transport the remainder back to the terracotta-colored pool.

MAKER’S MARK BEP FINISH

Maker’s Mark BEP delivers a long and dry throat-warming finish, accompanied by hints of wheat and roasted corn. Hidden within the blend, I perceive more than I taste; there are notes of red berries and dark fruits. Adding to the warmth, ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper give a tingle, while rich vanilla, brown sugar, and dark molasses add sweetness. There is a bit of hazelnut bitterness, which I find similar to what I taste on the palate, but they too are much subdued. Deep in each swallow, I feel seasoned dry oak and barrel char. And when the last dram is gone the empty Glencairn smells of faint oak and the blended aroma of the pour.

MY RATING: 89/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
^{Click to read Brian’s scoring process.}

Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Maker’s Mark.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:

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Maker’s Mark BRT-02 Review

Posted on 05-May-202305-May-2023 by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Maker’s Mark BRT-02 Review:

reviewed 28-November-2022

MAKER’S MARK BRT-2 BOURBON REVIEW:

Maker’s Mark BRT-02 (BRT-02) is a fine bourbon and represents what Maker’s is doing with their Wood Series quite well. The aromas are awesome and the flavors follow them nicely, although I feel they are a bit subdued. BRT-02 is a maple and caramel bomb with some nice dark cherry, baking spices and a little dry old oak as well. For those who like caramel, maple, oak and a long finish, be sure to pick up a bottle if and when you get the chance.

MAKER’S MARK BRT-2 VITAL STATS:

Category: Straight Bourbon, Finished Bourbon
Region: Loretto, KY
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark, DSP-KY-44
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: 110
Finishing staves: 10 Virgin Toasted French Oak Staves added to the barrel during the last eight weeks of maturation.
Age: nas
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 54.7% (109.4 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 19500
Release Date: Fall 2022
Price: $59.95 (Idaho, November 2022)

MAKER’S MARK 2022 BRT WOOD FINISHING SERIES:

2022 marks the fourth year Maker’s has produced the Wood Finishing Series. Each year has had a unique taste vision. This year the two releases focus on barrel rotation (cycling rackhouse location). The goal is to distinguish and enjoy the unique flavors found on the top floors while comparing them to barrels stored lower in the warehouse.

Since 1953, Maker’s consistent flavors have been credited to the hand-Barrel RoTation process. Top barrels in the rickhouse are brought to the bottom, and each level is then raised to ensure equal exposure to varying temperatures over time. The designation “BRT” for this year’s releases comes from this practice.

BRT-02 comes from the cooler bottom ricks. French oak staves help the liquid to react and impart dark depth.

^{Click Maker’s Mark 2022 BRT Wood Finishing Series Release to learn more.}

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Alternate pours, equaling about four ounces, were added into three Glencairns. My daughters and I enjoyed the bourbon neat for this review.

Check out Hannah’s and Elora’s reviews for this bourbon!

MAKER’S MARK BRT-2 NOSE:

The first waft of BRT-02 is warm and inviting. As I settle in, roasted corn and dusty wheat fade in and out. Then, red berries, caramel dipped cherries and other dark fruit mix with faint cinnamon and nutmeg. But more than anything, sweetness dominates the nose as rich vanilla, brown sugar, buttery caramel, maple syrup and dark molasses take turns on center stage. Under the sweets, I detect a solid foundation of roasted pinenuts, dry old oak planks and timber and the haze of barrel staves drying in the sun.

MAKER’S MARK BRT-2 PALATE:

As I sip, BRT-02 gives my mouth a mild burn with roasted corn and dusty wheat tempting the tongue. Like on the nose, I taste those dark caramel covered cherries, something I’ve not enjoyed before. They go nicely with warm baking spices of cinnamon, clove and black pepper. The sweets come through as well; dark chocolate, rich vanilla, burnt sugar, caramel, and dark molasses. Then maple syrup punches through, and the other sweets fade. As they do, I taste a bit of tongue depressor which may have been used to stir the syrup. There are a few roasted nuts in the pour along with a solid base of old dry seasoned oak, hazy char and ash.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
While there is a bit of a burn, giving my mouth and throat a gentle tickle for the most part, BRT-02 is creamy and easy to hold. The maple goodness blends in from the aroma and taste, through to the finish. After each sip is downed, thin long legs break from the veil, as sparse fat droplets fall from a thick irregular crown back to the mahogany colored pool.

MAKER’S MARK BRT-2 FINISH:

Maker’s Mark BRT-02 offers a long, throat warming finish of over-roasted corn nicely balanced by wheaty softness. Like sensed on the nose and tasted on the palate, red berries, dark cherries, cinnamon and pepper fade after each sip. As they do, the sweetness of vanilla, brown sugar, and maple syrup drift over dry-roasted nuts, seasoned oak barrel char along with a hint of ash.

MY RATING: 88/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
_{Click to read Brian’s scoring process.}

Click 88/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Maker’s Mark.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:

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Elora’s Maker’s Mark BRT-01 Bourbon Review

Posted on 17-April-202318-April-2023 by whiskeyfortheages

Elora’s Maker’s Mark BRT-01 Bourbon Review

Maker’s Mark BRT-01 Bourbon offers an explosion of scents and flavors that is bound to attract almost all bourbon novices and experts. I hope you all enjoy my review on this wonderful drink.

MAKER’S MARK BRT-01 VITAL STATS:

– Category: Straight Bourbon Finished with 10 Virgin Toasted Oak Staves
– Region: Loretto, KY
– Distillery: Beam Suntory
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark
– Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
– Barrel Char: unpublished
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– Age: nas
– Filtration: non-chill
– ABV: 54.7%
– NABCA CSC#: 19499
– Release Date: Fall 2022
– Size: 750 ML
– Price: $59.95

Learn more at Maker’s Mark.

ENJOYMENT METHOD

I enjoyed this bourbon neat with my father and sister while listening to acapella covers of popular music.

Check out Brian’s review here
and Hannah’s review here!

AROMA

There is so much to offer with this bourbon. Fruity tones, such as chocolate-covered cherries and coconut shavings and orange and lime zest, provide a nice vibrancy. There are also several sugary notes, like maple sugar, caramel, baked blueberries, saltwater taffy, gingerbread, and cane sugar. In addition, there are notes of sweet smoke and oak, peppercorn, salt, peanuts, corn, and nutmeg. All I can really say is, “Wow, wow, wow!” I truly hope it will be just as tasty as what I am smelling.

TASTE

Feel: It feels like a comforting warmth in the mouth. It is smooth and viscous, but it doesn’t really bloom in the chest; it just settles there until it dissipates.
Balance: This has such a great balance. I am able to get flavors out of nearly all of the categories of our bourbon wheel, and I don’t really feel like any of these are overpowering each other.
Visual: To me, the color resembles that of mahogany. When I look at the glass, I can see big, fat, long legs and droplets as well as a faint outline of a crown.

The taste is different from what I got in the aroma, but it still impresses me. The initial flavors I get are more on the nutty side; peanuts, browned butter, and salted sunflower seeds emerge quickly. After this, I get a lot of sweeter tones, such as caramel, honey, berry cobbler, cherry, vanilla, browned sugar, and maple syrup. There are also a few hints of salt, crackers, and peppercorns.

I want to mention, this bourbon is unlike any that I have ever had. If there was a drink that I could compare to each season of a year, it would be this. Not only do I detect numerous flavors that one could find in spring and summer, but I can also find cooler tones, such as mint and pine. I know it sounds a bit abstract, but honestly, there’s no other way I can truly describe this. This is just a perfect beverage to have in any part of the year.

FINISH

As intricate and powerful these aromas and tastes are, the finish for me doesn’t last as long. It grows in the mouth, going from warm to hot, and settles in the chest, but dissipates after a short to moderate amount of time. The specific flavors that I get are mostly deep fruits, dark sugars, charred woods, and cool earth. My mouth feels refreshed after the flavors fade out, and I am more than eager to take another sip.

SONG CHOICE

“IV. Allegro con fuoco” from Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178 From
the New World²

There were so many elements to this bourbon. It had so much to offer, and so much to show. Therefore, I wanted to choose a couple of powerful soundtracks that would fit it. Both “Unstoppable” and “IV. Allegro con fuoco” have powerful and motivating melodies and harmonies. I hope you enjoy this strong drink while listening to these equally strong songs.

WORTH THE PRICE?

This powerhouse of a bourbon for just short of $60? Absolutely! This is a very fair price, and I would be more than happy to splurge on it to keep it on my shelf.

GET IT AGAIN?

I would most certainly get this again. This bourbon, to me, was like a work of art. There were so many elements, so many colors. Every time I went in to smell and taste the bourbon, it was different.

RATING: 96%

Back to…
Elora’s Whiskey Reviews
Whiskey Reviews

ELORA’S MAKER’S MARK BRT-01 CITATIONS

¹The Score, “Unstoppable, July 15th, 2016, The Score – Unstoppable (Official Audio), The Score (YouTube Channel), Album: Carry On
²Antonín Dvořák, “IV. Allegro con fuoco” from Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, B. 178 From the New World, December 28, 2017, Gustavo Dudamel Dvorak Symphony no 9 4th movement Allegro con fuoco, Pablo Sallato (YouTube Channel)