Bourbon Lens Thoughts:
Maker’s Mark Wood Finish Series expands with their Barrel Entry Proof release. Taking a traditional bourbon and exploring what different entry proofs would do to the liquid is a great way to innovate. Will you be picking up a bottle?
Full Details On Maker’s Mark Wood Finished Barrel Entry Proof Below:
The Maker’s Mark Distillery is proud to unveil the latest release in the Maker’s Mark® Wood Finishing
Series – 2023 Limited Release: BEP. Like all releases from this series to date, this special offering
celebrates another purposeful choice made within the Maker’s Mark bourbon-making process. In
this case? The brand’s unique 110 barrel entry proof (BEP).
As the fifth and final limited-edition in this chapter of the Wood Finishing Series, the 2023 Limited
Release: BEP was crafted to amplify the balanced wood sugars, softer tannins and lasting finish that
can be attributed to the signature Maker’s Mark 110 barrel entry proof. Ten Virgin Toasted American
Oak finish staves were used to amplify notes of vanilla and sweet spice that naturally occur from this
lower barrel entry proof.
WHEN: April 2023
AVAILABILITY & PRICE: Fine spirits retailers nationwide. SRP $69.99 per 750ml bottle.
TASTING NOTES:
- AROMA: Toasty Vanilla, Subtle Spice, Caramel
- TASTE: Bright, Vanilla, Brown Sugar
- FINISH: Medium body, Balanced, Rich Caramel, Dry Baking Spices
- PROOF: Cask Strength (108- 114)
MORE ABOUT Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Barrel Entry Proof:
Maker’s Mark always found that using a lower entry proof for its classic bourbon delivered more flavor, smoothness, and better quality. While higher entry proofs can yield more bourbon, the brand has always prioritized staying true to its original taste vision. Though distillers have been permitted to raise barrel entry proofs from 110 to 125 since 1962, Maker’s Mark remains the only major distillery from that time to have kept its BEP at 110. This exciting release makes it clear as to why using an innovative finishing approach that enhances the flavor profile and natural characteristics that come directly from the barrel.
Since 2019, the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series has used an innovative wood finishing technique to unlock and amplify natural flavors already present in our classic Maker’s Mark – always purposefully and with a specific taste vision in mind. From 2019-2023, these taste visions have centered on highlighting the influence of select, intentional choices made when crafting Maker’s Mark Bourbon. To learn more about the entire Wood Finishing Series to date, visit makersmark.com/tags/wood-finishing-series.
