Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 BRT-02

MAKER’S MARK WOOD-FINISHING SERIES SHOWDOWN Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength Maker’s Mark BRT-02 Limited Release Maker’s Mark The Heart Release 2024 Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release 2025 Maker’s Mark Private Selection Unique Stave Selection 086/246 (TL;DR: The BRT-02 wins in a landslide). This review began as a critique of three Maker’s Mark Finishing Series bourbons: The Heart Release 2024, The Keeper’s Release 2025, and a Private Selection Unique Stave Selection. Then I realized that I needed a baseline, so I pulled a bottle of Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength (everything’s about context). That led to the need to baseline the MM46, so I grabbed a Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Finally, I realized I had a (unopened) BRT-02 in inventory and decided to toss it into the mix. So we’ll begin with the baselines: first the normal MM Cask Strength, then the MM46 Cask Strength, and those followed by the others in chronological order. I tasted these bourbons over the course of several days. I’m a fan of Maker’s Mark and their Wood-Finishing Series, which began with Maker’s 46 back in the day. All whiskies—bourbon, Scotch, Irish, Japanese—have experimented with special releases with varying success, typically focused on barrels having contained another wine or spirit. So when Maker’s developed the 46 project further, I was more than happy to test things out (all in the name of science). Maker’s Mark Cask Strength While I’ve always had a bottle of Maker’s around the house, and have been a big fan of Maker’s 46 since it first came out, I’ve never been a Maker’s Mark Cask Strength afficionado (and I prefer high-proof bourbon). My not-quite-dislike never made sense to me, as I’ve always viewed Barrel Proof and Cask Strength whiskies as purer expressions of their lower-proof brethren. MM Cask Strength had a taste that I never could quite put my finger on—there was a musty element. And with this tasting, I think I’ve figured it, right under my nose. It’s the wood—but it tastes like old wood. Bourbon by definition has to be aged in charred new American oak, so “by law” it shouldn’t be old. But this wood doesn’t impart the rich vanilla and other flavors that new oak typically provides—and which is the entire ethos behind Maker’s Wood Finishing series. In comparison to the other five bourbons here, the Cask Strength comes across as flat; the wood just isn’t doing much. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength can be found for around $45. Would I buy it again? Yes, just to have on-hand, but primarily for cocktails because of the high ABV. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. Batch No. 21-02. 55.2% ABV. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength Much richer and deeper than the regular Cask Strength. Also richer and more powerful than the Heart, Keeper’s, and Private Selection; in comparison, these seem a bit more delicate in comparison. The MM46 is a touch more monolithic than the others, but the depth and richness wins out. Consistent with prior note (10/12/23). Hot chocolate, cocoa, dried apricot, cola, vanilla, and yes, a smidgen of dill. Lots of oak. Cinnamon apples and clove on the palate. Medium-length finish with lots of oak characteristics. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength can be bought for around $60. Would I buy it again? Yes. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. Batch 24-01. 55.3% ABV. Maker’s Mark BRT-02 Limited Release (2022) Elegance and power. Sweet and fruity: cocoa, espresso, dates, caramel apple, smoked BBQ, oak, vanilla. The smoothest of the bunch—by far—despite there being a range of only 2.8 percentages points of proof amongst these six bourbons. Finishes very long with chocolate fudge and maple candy. BRT-02 can still be found for around $140 online (I had no idea). This is a fantastic bourbon. Would I buy it again? It’s not cheap, but it’s a good value. Yes. 4.5+ on the Distiller scale. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French Oak staves. 54.7% ABV. Maker’s Mark The Heart Release 2004 I’m surprised that I haven’t reviewed this bourbon before, as this pour was the bottle’s last. The label says “Caramel, Chocolate, Maple.” In reality, this practice—employed by numerous distillers—is more aptly referred to as “leading the witness.” Caramel is a common bourbon descriptor; chocolate in various guises is also commonplace. Maple, a bit less so. I don’t really get maple here. Chocolate-covered cherries? Yes, and maybe some cocoa. Pipe tobacco? New saddle leather? Yes and yes. And spearmint. The palate is not particularly viscous. Cinnamon red hots and clove on the finish, with wood tannins and cooling licorice. The alcohol is noticeable, and a bit out of balance; I’ve had higher-proofed whiskies that were better integrated. The Heart Release was launched at $75 retail, and can still be found online for just over that. While it’s true that many whiskies have more cachet, and perhaps better marketing, the market’s Invisible Hand is telling you something here. I’ve got whiskies that have appreciated 10x since purchasing them. I’ve never bought a whisk(e)y as an investment—I drink them—but scarcity is a significant driver of price, and apparently there’s plenty of these still around. Either A) Maker’s produced way too much; B) connoisseurs weren’t particularly enamored (this price point is aimed at enthusiasts; it’s not a mixer); or C) all of the above. I enjoyed this bourbon, and have no regrets purchasing it, but it’s not particularly noteworthy, unlike the earlier FAE and BEP releases. It is more fruity (and maybe more complex) than the Maker’s 46 Cask Strength when tasted side-by-side. Would I buy it again? Maybe, just to have it around to compare to others. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French oak staves. Volume 1 of 5. Bottled June 2024. 56.0% ABV. Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release 2005 The bottle says: “Bold, Oak, Toasted Sweetness.” The bourbon drinker asks: “And?” An F on originality. But not quite “move along, nothing to see here;” we still have to drink it. Because science. I get a prominent cherry cordial note on the nose, along with sawdust (not necessarily in a bad way), cocoa, mocha (coffee’s lovechild, but not coffee solo), apple? spearmint, and (surprise!) oak. Neither particularly oily nor viscous on the palate. A raft of oaky tannins commingled with alcohol. A cooling spearmint and licorice note throughout, with bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, and espresso on the finish, with a peach note coming in very, very late. Is it “Bold?” I hope so. This ain’t 80-proof Beam on the rocks. This is bourbon in above-bottled-in-bond territory. Also neat. Is it “Oak?” Yes, bourbon by definition must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Same goes for “Toasted Sweetness.” The oak is toasted (charred), and the oak is the source of the various “sweet” descriptors. Forget what I said: the market has spoken. The Keeper’s Release can still be found for around its release price of $75. Would I buy it again? Perhaps, for the same reason as the 2024 Heart Release—to continue to explore the different Maker’s expressions. I prefer this slightly about the Heart Release, but it's’ not too differentiated. 4.0+ on the Distiller scale. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. Release 2 of 5. Bottled February 2025. 54.6% ABV. Maker’s Mark Unique Stave Selection 086/246 Most woodsy (not quite woody per se) of the three. Marzipan, cocoa, peaches—sweeter than the others. More viscosity than the Heart or Keeper’s. Vanilla, chocolate fudge, and licorice on the finish. All of these Unique Stave Selections are unique. But variants, including this one, can be found for around $85. Would I buy it again? I’d return to the store where I purchased this particular expression for another bottle. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. Stave Profile: Baked American Pure (0); seared French cuvée (3); Maker’s Mark 46 (1); roasted French mendiant (5); toasted French spice (1). No. 086/246. 55.35% ABV. I tasted these bourbons over the course of several days, in small amounts. Each feel a bit clunky vs the elegant and complex BRT-02. The 46 is the most bold; the Unique Stave Selection the most sweet. 1. BRT-02 Limited Release 2. Private Selection Unique Stave Selection 086/246 3. Marker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength 4. The Heart Release 2024 5. The Keeper’s Release 2025 6. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Six Glencairns of bourbon side by side is always instructive. It would be difficult to dissect these bourbons individually (and all six together presents its own set of difficulties). These recent special releases are not at the level of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series, which are noteworthy. Nor are they of the same caliber as their FAE and BRT predecessors in the early 2020s. And while I’m skeptical of private barrel selections from any retailer—does anyone really think that a distiller is going to let a retailer have access to its best barrels, rather than keeping them themselves?—in this particular case, the private selection tasted here was in many respects superior to the other more prominent releases. And then there’s the Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength itself. This expression can be found for only $10-15 less than the special releases. It’s the best value of the bunch.

It’s great to see a bourbon line get expanded in the way Jim Beam has done with Knob Creek. The additions of the 12 and 15 year were fantastic (especially the 12) and I’m really excited for this one. It cost me a couple bucks, but the age statement and the quality of this one’s younger brothers, I have confidence in my purchase. Nose: Gala apple/apple pie. Brown sugar, vanilla, toffee, and caramel. Peanut brittle and toasted almond. Fudge, cocoa, and milk chocolate. Black tea and tobacco. Maple. Rye, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak spice. Red ginger. A touch of sawdust and baking soda. Palate: More of that peanut brittle and toasted almond. Gala apple. Heaps of brown sugar with some caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Dried apricot. Pumpkin spice. A peppermint/baking soda note. New couch leather. Carrot cake. Cocoa, black tea, pipe smoke. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black and white pepper, rye spice, dill pickle, and oak. Finish: Brown sugar, caramel, fudge, vanilla, milk chocolate, and toffee. Pipe smoke, cocoa, and black tea. Rye spice, red ginger, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. Long finish. Very nice. This does the classic bourbon profile perfectly. Plenty of sweet, a healthy dose of dry fruit, barrel char and smoke to boot. And of course, a truck load or two of spice notes. It’s not overoaked, which is a concern for a lot of bourbons once you get into the teenage years. Instead, it’s got depth and sophistication, and does a beautiful job of encapsulating the finer elements of the Knob Creek line. This is really something. I’d say it measures up to the 12 and beats the 15 in terms of VFM. Which is impressive because it cost quadruple the former and almost double the latter. This was $200, which is exactly what I paid for the Elijah Craig 18. This is at a much higher proof, and matches the EC18 for quality. It’s amazing, and I’m really glad I managed to nab it. This was crafted to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Knob Creek, and I’d say this did a heck of a job honoring the line. 5/5. And that’s what I’m going with. Fantastic. It’s such an interesting profile. I am generally more of a fan of rye-mash bourbons than wheat-mash ones. Because the rye adds more to the profile—more times than not. Not the case here. Unbelievably rich profile, and for $70, this is an absolute no-brainer.

A new Maker's Mark wood finishing series release is always cause for celebration. But two, for 2022? It's a downright party. Unfortunately for me, getting my grubby hands on rarer bottles such as BRT 01 and BRT 02 is always a bit of a chore. Simply put: all the hipsters around me like to buy bourbon which makes hard to find bourbon all the harder to find. Thank God for retailers who ship. The nose smells dark and sweet. Pitted cherries and figs mingle with molasses and a bit of butterscotch. On the taste, a little touch of salted caramel opens up to slightly bitter, semi sweet dark chocolate. The mouth feel and warmth reflect the proof quite strongly. Over ripened but slightly sour cherries bridge the gap between taste and finish. The finish begins with baking spices which is complimented by the tongue prickling heat of the proof. That spiciness is long and lingering, but eventually makes way to a slightly sour and fruity end, again tasting of dark pitted fruits. RC6 set a precedent in 2019 that still has yet to be matched by its Wood Finishing offspring ( FAE01 came close ). My rating is in an attempt to be impartial, rating this selection on its own without influence from how great previous Wood Finishing bottlings were. In that aspect this one is solid and complex if not a little dark and bitter. And now... I shall patiently wait for my bottle of BRT 01 to arrive.

BRT-02, 2022, tasted neat. Rose brown color in the glass with strong coating legs. Dried fruit and cereal grain on the nose with vanilla oak notes. Oak, char, smoke, toasted cereal, vanilla, and caramelized sugar in the mouth. Rich and dry spice and a little ethanol blooms. Finish is earthy and dried fruit sweet and tannic. Ethanol and mint spice tingle lasts a good time. Really rich and complex set of flavors that play well together in this bourbon. Takes the Makers Mark flavor profile up a notch with more pronounced oak flavors and a darker color. Ice isn't necessary, but tempers the tannic oak and mint and lets the sweet reign. 1/25/23 Anyone else having trouble with lagging keyboard and freezing and crashing on this new app? Seems like there's a problem having the keyboard setting Predictive Text turned on. I'm typing this note as a test to help the app developers fix this problem, something that is mentioned prominently in all the recent Google Play reviews. Looks like turning off Predictive Text in the Keyboard setting has fixed it--and that should show them what they need to do on their end to solve this.

Nose: Vanilla and caramel bomb with hints of ethanol and oak. The ethanol wanes after a couple minutes as the vanilla, caramel (Werthers hard candy), and oak grow ever stronger. With more time apricots dominate the foreground along with a bouquet of other dried fruits. Palate: Oak, cinnamon, caramel and vanilla explode on the palate. Much more spice and oak than the nose gave off. Finish: The finish is long and turns somewhat dry and bitter. I like it, especially at its MSRP, but I’m not blown away. Definitely better than MM’s normal offering but I’m glad I didn’t have to try very hard to snag a bottle. Edit 08/21/2023: I just recently came back to this bottle and have to up my score from 3.5 to 4.0. Upon returning I was met with one of the most pleasant aromas of burnt caramel I’ve ever experienced. Notes on the palate mirror this alluring smell. The notes described above are all still present, but theres now this very dominant burnt caramel that I have fallen in love with. If you’re like me and was underwhelmed at first, let your bottle sit for a month and come back to it - you won’t be sorry.

Nose offers creme brûlée, brown sugar, molasses, caramel, vanilla, blackberry, ripe plum, Concord grape, date, and cinnamon. Aroma is rich, and ethanol is next to non-existent. A promising start. Palate matches the nose almost precisely so as not to be redundant, see the notes above. A little butterscotch that I didn’t get in the nose. Flavors are vibrant and punchy. Finish turns sharply spicy with pink peppercorn and some slightly astringent oak, but then morphs again into caramel flan, wood varnish, cocoa powder, candy corn, and toffee. Insanely long. Mouthfeel is medium bodied and not much else to say about it other than a thicker mouthfeel would have worked wonders here. All in all, an enjoyable sweet, dark whiskey and vastly better than the BRT-01, but not as much of a hit as say FAE-01. At $76.99, I feel it’s value is fair and thus would consider it a rebuy.