Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: BRT01 & BRT02

Maker’s Mark Distillery (DSP-KY-44) has announced two new releases in its Wood Finishing Series: BRT-01 and BRT-02. They are meant to compare and contrast the different effects of placement on whiskey in its rickhouses. As in the past, these new expressions showcase specific aspects of the bourbon-making process. In this case: barrel rotation.

Bourbon obviously owes a lot of its flavor to the barrel, much of which comes from the barrel’s reaction to different temperatures. Maker’s Mark hand-rotates barrels from the top to the bottom of their rickhouses, working towards equal exposure to temperatures over time for consistent flavors.

This two-part Wood Finishing Series release was made to be enjoyed as a pair, reflecting opposite ends of the rickhouse. BRT-01 represents tasting notes found at the hotter top of the rickhouse, while BRT-02 highlights tasting notes from the cooler bottom.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 Release: BRT-01 & BRT-02

For BRT-01, bottled at 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV), 10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves have been used in the finishing process. Official tasting notes are as follows:
Aroma: Caramel and butterscotch mixed with a sweet spice
Taste: Bright, brown sugar and stone fruit
Finish: Warm and toasty, paired with hints of honey

For BRT-02, meanwhile, it is also bottled at 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV), having been emptied from finishing barrels making use of 10 Virgin Toasted French Oak Staves. Official tasting notes for it include:
Aroma: A seasoned oak nuttiness combined with molasses
Taste: Prevalent dark fruit and chocolate with baking spices
Finish: Long, viscous and round

Both are currently available for a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

About Maker’s Mark Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark®, Maker’s Mark 46® Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark® Private Selection, the industry’s first-ever custom barrel program. Today, Maker’s Mark is the largest distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit makersmark.com.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.