Cease me if this sounds acquainted: For its newest entry into its Wooden Ending Sequence, Maker’s Mark is analyzing the influence of barrel entry proof — aka BEP. Maker’s is known for coming into the barrel at a low 110 proof as a substitute of the extra typical 125, which was legalized in 1962. (It’s the one main distillery to enter barrel at that degree.) The oddity right here is that relatively than altering the entry proof, Maker’s is as a substitute “celebrating” it: That is nonetheless a 110 proof barrel entry, which kind of makes the title puzzling. The solely actual twist right here — other than bottling at cask power — is that ten virgin toasted American oak staves are used within the barrel as ending components, supposed to amplify the influence of the 110 BEP.
In different phrases, this whiskey is designed to be “extra Maker’s than Maker’s,” primarily doubling down on probably the most iconic components of its manufacturing course of.
The outcomes are completely worthwhile, and I finally really feel that if you happen to like Maker’s Mark — which is definitely straightforward to do — you’ll most likely like this much more. The nostril is clearly denser and woodier than rack Maker’s Mark, richer with caramel and chocolate notes, heavy with vanilla, all laced elegantly with wooden. There’s simply “extra” right here throughout: The palate has extra physique (courtesy of a better abv), extra sweetness, extra spice… extra the whole lot. Citrus notes pop towards the end, the place a contact of mint performs properly with components of peanut brittle. All instructed, it drinks like a really wealthy, well-made bourbon, although that basic Maker’s “softness” isn’t far out of thoughts.
Including water to convey this all the way down to a extra typical proof does uninteresting the expertise a bit, so be lighthanded with H2O — however do strive it each with and with out water to expertise the journey. General, as with the FAE_02 2021 launch, it is a actual magnificence that calls for consideration. It isn’t as unique as most of the different whiskeys within the Wooden Ending Sequence, however there’s one thing to be stated for doubling down on what you’re already doing proper.
110.7 proof.
A- / $70 / makersmark.com
Maker’s Mark BEP 2023 Restricted Launch
$70
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