Background

Front and center, a disclaimer- this sample was provided to me by Maker’s Mark at no cost, no obligation to review and with no strings attached. I thank them for their generosity in doing so.

The last time I had a Maker’s Wood Finish Series was 2020, SE4 x PR5, and you know what - shame on me for going 3 years without checking in on this line again. Though I thoroughly enjoyed that release, I didn't get around to formally reviewing it. My impression, and I understand others may disagree depending on the area, is that the Wood Finish Series releases are pretty findable in DC (where I’m based). This led me essentially to procrastinate, “I’ll get around to trying it again.” Well, I procrastinated right up until the last minute- because now we’re on the final release in this Wood Finishing Series, so again, I thank Maker’s for the chance to break my stupor and try the latest and greatest!

This release was designed to showcase Maker’s 110 barrel entry proof, which is a point of pride for the distillery. Fred Minnick explains why barrel entry proofs matter better than I ever could here, but essentially the theory is that more water upfront helps break down wood’s polyphenolic compounds during aging. It’s also worth noting- lower entry proof is generally a more expensive way to produce whiskey. It costs more upfront since you need more barrels to age the output. Many other distilleries, like Heaven Hill for instance, use the maximum allowable entry proof for bourbon- 125. This Maker’s release is finished with ten virgin toasted American Oak staves to amplify the traditional softer vanilla/gentle spice notes typically found in Maker’s output. Let’s taste and find out!

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2023: BEP (NAS, 110.7 Proof)

Nose: Gentle raspberry, vanilla custard, toasted oak, nougat.

Palate: It’s wood driven but doesn't cross the line of being too oak forward for me. Cinnamon, some caramel, and more vanilla cut that oak nicely. Hints of natural cherry.

Finish: Again some oak, pepper, natural cinnamon, and a lingering caramel note balances out the finish.

Very Good to Great (6.5/10)

Overall: This is an incredibly approachable 110 proof whiskey, and while that might not register as a proof bomb for some, it excels in its subtlety and balance. It walks up to the edge of being a little too oak forward, and then vanillas and caramels and the occasional subtle red fruit note arrive to balance things out. It’s not going to punch anyone in the mouth with flavor but I don’t think that’s the goal. It’s just a nice, no nonsense sip that’s honestly pretty relaxing to let wash over you.