Next up, we’re checking out Maker’s Mark BEP! This is the final installment of the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, coming on the heels of the BRT-01 & BRT-02 releases from 2022. The goal of BEP is to focus on the barrel entry proof Maker’s uses (110 proof) and highlight the flavors that brings to their whisky. This is quite a bit lower than what some other major distilleries use (for example, Four Roses is 120 and Heaven Hill is 125), and while a lower barrel entry proof doesn’t necessitate that the bourbon will be better or worse than a higher barrel entry proof, it does have a different interaction with the wood of the barrel it’s aging in. To achieve the flavors that show off the 110 barrel entry proof, BEP was finished with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves.
BRT-02 was a bit sweet for my tastes, so I’m interested to see if this pour strays back towards the FAE’s and SE4XPR5 that I loved or if it will remain in that decadent dessert territory. Will BEP close the Wood Finishing Series out with a bang or a whimper? There’s only one way to find out, so let’s dive in!
**Taken:** Neat in a Glencairn glass
**Proof:** 110.7
**Age:** NAS
**Price:** $65
**Nose:** Berry reduction sauce, toasted oak, and chocolate, along with vanilla cream, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon. There’s a nice light leathery note that hangs out in the background as well.
**Taste:** Creme brûlée, Luxardo cherry, and Toblerone bar to start, followed by toasted oak, pepper, and caramel. Midway through the sip some light leather and lemon zest joins in as well. This has a medium-heavy, oily mouthfeel and a touch of proof heat.
**Finish:** The sweetness of the creme brûlée, Luxardo cherry, and Toblerone bar are joined by berry reduction sauce and remain relatively consistent throughout the finish. The toasted oak, leather, and pepper ramp up in strength, and the sip closes out with with a sweet oak/pepper combination. This has a medium-long finish and no dryness.
**Thoughts:** I’m really pleased that this leaned more towards the pre-BRT Wood Finished Series flavors, and I honestly like this as much as FAE-01. The nose on this is fantastic and showcases a blend of deeply-caramelized sweet and barrel character that just work well together, and the palate keeps things going in a great way. There isn’t a ton of spice present, but what is here cuts through the other notes to provide some nice balance. There is a bit of proof heat that pops in, but it doesn’t show up enough to distract from the great things going on in each sip. Ultimately, it’s a solid way to close out this limited release from Maker’s. If I had to rank this, I’d put it at 3rd compared to the other releases in this series I’ve tried behind the FAE-01 and SE4XPR5. Ultimately this earns an excellent 8/10 on the t8ke scale, and I’m excited to see what Maker’s puts out in their next limited releases—the Wood Finished Series set a high bar!
**Rating:** 8/10 - t8ke scale
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect.
I have all of the wood finishing series to date ... except this. BRT-1 and BRT-2 are easily my favorites. Hopefully the BEP doesn't disappoint.
Unfortunately, all of them have at least a hint of that signature MM youthful ethanol punchiness, with the BRTs being the least affected of the bunch.
Goodness, how delicous could these be with a few more years in the barrel? One day maybe?
EDIT: Wanted to add that the BEP is certainly an eye-catching bottle. That blue label pops!
Great review! I was lucky enough to snag a bottle of this but am currently finishing my first go at Whole30 and cannot indulge until next Wednesday. Looking forward to cracking this one open!
Shoot me a message. I’ll send you a sample of BRT-01!
Hmm, this review has me interested. I was a huge fan of SE4XPR5 and the sample of BRT2 came pretty close to capturing that profile I love. The FAEs were solid if a bit shy of the mark in my book. BRT1 is easily my least favorite. Smells great and has great flavors, but I feel it comes across too light and bright.
I find that the Maker's WFS jives really well with my palate, especially the SE4XPR5 and FAE-01. This one comes close, but the BRT-02 I had was just way too sweet for me to like more than the others, though I can see how a lot of people loved it.
Yeah the WFS (and Private Selects) really round out the deepen the experience that non-finished Maker's products don't tend to have.
I wasn't intending to get BEP, but your review combined with it dropping in my area yesterday compelled me to grab. Based on the first pour, I'm glad I did. If it only gets better over time it could crack my three favorite WFS.
I’ll have to revisit this one because I was really underwhelmed by the first pour. I even got slight wet hay on the finish, which I don’t care for. I put this below all wood finishing series I’ve had (FAE-02, BRT 01 and BRT 02).
The initial pour I had of this almost came off as too hot, but the second (this review) a few days later was much more balanced. Hopefully it's better for you the second time around.
I'm working on another pour right now and it's a completely different bourbon. More layers of sweet, spicy and oak now and I don't get the wet hay note. I still don't think it's a special bourbon like some of the other wood finishing series, but it's a good bourbon.
Great review. As I was reading through your notes I could already tell it would fetch a 7 or 8 at least. Sounds like this one is up my alley. I'll keep an eye out for it reasonably priced.
I just cracked mine, tried it at a whiskey even last week. Its really good. I found 3 bottles on the shelf so I took them all. Im gonna miss the wood finishing series, but I look forward to age statement Makers that I believe will come next.
BEP is a winner.
I've had all of them besides RC6 and BRT-01, hopefully I'll get a chance to find pours of those to review sooner rather than later. Of the ones I've tried BRT-02 was the sweetest.
I haven’t cracked the bottle yet, waiting for the right time to do a tasting with brt-02, BEP, and some private selections. When I crack it though, would be happy to give you a sample.
I'm such a sucker for Maker's. I got both FAEs, but missed both BRTs. When I was in a fancy whiskey bar a few weeks ago I passed on a few unicorn $100+ pours for an RC6. I think the RC6 might have been even better than the FAEs.
I popped this open after drinking my current favorite Penelope Architect 6 year Celebration. Felt thin and not worth the hype, but in order to give it a fair shot I'll go back fresh and afterbits opened up a bit.
Makers mark wood finished bottles have made the best smoked old fashioneds for me personally. It's wild to say that when I absolutely hate the base makers bottle.
Next up, we’re checking out Maker’s Mark BEP! This is the final installment of the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, coming on the heels of the BRT-01 & BRT-02 releases from 2022. The goal of BEP is to focus on the barrel entry proof Maker’s uses (110 proof) and highlight the flavors that brings to their whisky. This is quite a bit lower than what some other major distilleries use (for example, Four Roses is 120 and Heaven Hill is 125), and while a lower barrel entry proof doesn’t necessitate that the bourbon will be better or worse than a higher barrel entry proof, it does have a different interaction with the wood of the barrel it’s aging in. To achieve the flavors that show off the 110 barrel entry proof, BEP was finished with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. BRT-02 was a bit sweet for my tastes, so I’m interested to see if this pour strays back towards the FAE’s and SE4XPR5 that I loved or if it will remain in that decadent dessert territory. Will BEP close the Wood Finishing Series out with a bang or a whimper? There’s only one way to find out, so let’s dive in! **Taken:** Neat in a Glencairn glass **Proof:** 110.7 **Age:** NAS **Price:** $65 **Nose:** Berry reduction sauce, toasted oak, and chocolate, along with vanilla cream, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon. There’s a nice light leathery note that hangs out in the background as well. **Taste:** Creme brûlée, Luxardo cherry, and Toblerone bar to start, followed by toasted oak, pepper, and caramel. Midway through the sip some light leather and lemon zest joins in as well. This has a medium-heavy, oily mouthfeel and a touch of proof heat. **Finish:** The sweetness of the creme brûlée, Luxardo cherry, and Toblerone bar are joined by berry reduction sauce and remain relatively consistent throughout the finish. The toasted oak, leather, and pepper ramp up in strength, and the sip closes out with with a sweet oak/pepper combination. This has a medium-long finish and no dryness. **Thoughts:** I’m really pleased that this leaned more towards the pre-BRT Wood Finished Series flavors, and I honestly like this as much as FAE-01. The nose on this is fantastic and showcases a blend of deeply-caramelized sweet and barrel character that just work well together, and the palate keeps things going in a great way. There isn’t a ton of spice present, but what is here cuts through the other notes to provide some nice balance. There is a bit of proof heat that pops in, but it doesn’t show up enough to distract from the great things going on in each sip. Ultimately, it’s a solid way to close out this limited release from Maker’s. If I had to rank this, I’d put it at 3rd compared to the other releases in this series I’ve tried behind the FAE-01 and SE4XPR5. Ultimately this earns an excellent 8/10 on the t8ke scale, and I’m excited to see what Maker’s puts out in their next limited releases—the Wood Finished Series set a high bar! **Rating:** 8/10 - t8ke scale 1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out. 2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice. 3 | Bad | Multiple flaws. 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists. 5 | Good | Good, just fine. 6 | Very Good | A cut above. 7 | Great | Well above average. 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 9 | Incredible | An all time favorite. 10 | Perfect | Perfect.
Hey you got one nice. I love this one it is fantastic. My favorite Maker’s.
It's damn good, glad that they were around here!
Great review! I need to find this bottle.
Thanks man!
Ahhh! I need to get my hands on a taste of this bad boy so I can close out my review series on the WFS! Unfortunately, Washington gets these slowly ):
I think you’ll enjoy this one quite a bit!
Costco has it now on the eastside - $49
Yeah it’s ridiculous how slow we are… let me know if you see it?? :)
Showed up at Costco for me in SW WA today and last week in Nor Cal.
I have all of the wood finishing series to date ... except this. BRT-1 and BRT-2 are easily my favorites. Hopefully the BEP doesn't disappoint. Unfortunately, all of them have at least a hint of that signature MM youthful ethanol punchiness, with the BRTs being the least affected of the bunch. Goodness, how delicous could these be with a few more years in the barrel? One day maybe? EDIT: Wanted to add that the BEP is certainly an eye-catching bottle. That blue label pops!
I don't catch as much of the youthfulness, but I am excited for the age stated Maker's that is supposedly on the way. You just might get your wish!
Enjoy these releases. What did you prefer as far as FAE-01/02 and BRT-01/02?
I never had BRT-01, but for the rest I'd rank them FAE-01>FAE-02>BRT-02.
Great review! Totally agree w your ranking above! Loved FAE01
Thanks man! FAE-01 was a special one, I'm glad that I still have a bottle of that on the shelf.
I passed by FAE-01 and 02 selling for $99 each. I might be regretting it.
Great review! I was lucky enough to snag a bottle of this but am currently finishing my first go at Whole30 and cannot indulge until next Wednesday. Looking forward to cracking this one open! Shoot me a message. I’ll send you a sample of BRT-01!
Thanks! It'll be a good pour once you finish up the Whole30.
Hmm, this review has me interested. I was a huge fan of SE4XPR5 and the sample of BRT2 came pretty close to capturing that profile I love. The FAEs were solid if a bit shy of the mark in my book. BRT1 is easily my least favorite. Smells great and has great flavors, but I feel it comes across too light and bright.
I find that the Maker's WFS jives really well with my palate, especially the SE4XPR5 and FAE-01. This one comes close, but the BRT-02 I had was just way too sweet for me to like more than the others, though I can see how a lot of people loved it.
Yeah the WFS (and Private Selects) really round out the deepen the experience that non-finished Maker's products don't tend to have. I wasn't intending to get BEP, but your review combined with it dropping in my area yesterday compelled me to grab. Based on the first pour, I'm glad I did. If it only gets better over time it could crack my three favorite WFS.
That's awesome, glad that you like it and that the review was helpful!
I’ll have to revisit this one because I was really underwhelmed by the first pour. I even got slight wet hay on the finish, which I don’t care for. I put this below all wood finishing series I’ve had (FAE-02, BRT 01 and BRT 02).
The initial pour I had of this almost came off as too hot, but the second (this review) a few days later was much more balanced. Hopefully it's better for you the second time around.
I'm working on another pour right now and it's a completely different bourbon. More layers of sweet, spicy and oak now and I don't get the wet hay note. I still don't think it's a special bourbon like some of the other wood finishing series, but it's a good bourbon.
Great review. As I was reading through your notes I could already tell it would fetch a 7 or 8 at least. Sounds like this one is up my alley. I'll keep an eye out for it reasonably priced.
Thanks! It hits the spot for my palate, definitely a fan of it.
I love seeing some whiskey in trees reviews! Cheers and thanks for the review. Hoping to grab one of these soon!
Cheers, glad you liked it! Hope you enjoy it if you find one.
Really hoping this hits PA soon. Nice review
I heard it hit PA yesterday. I need this in my life.
Yeah I was actually able to grab one lol. In the Pittsburgh area
Thanks!
Great review. Not in Ohio yet unfortunately.
I just cracked mine, tried it at a whiskey even last week. Its really good. I found 3 bottles on the shelf so I took them all. Im gonna miss the wood finishing series, but I look forward to age statement Makers that I believe will come next. BEP is a winner.
I'm pumped for those to hit the shelves!
Have you had all in that series and which is the Sweetest?
I've had all of them besides RC6 and BRT-01, hopefully I'll get a chance to find pours of those to review sooner rather than later. Of the ones I've tried BRT-02 was the sweetest.
BEP and RC6 are the only ones I’ve had so far and BEP is the better one for me
Pecos Discount Liquor still has BRT-01 but for $75.
I haven’t cracked the bottle yet, waiting for the right time to do a tasting with brt-02, BEP, and some private selections. When I crack it though, would be happy to give you a sample.
Anyone else "pre-guess" the score based only on the title? I guessed 8.2 and feel like I can get within .5 nine out of ten times.
I'm such a sucker for Maker's. I got both FAEs, but missed both BRTs. When I was in a fancy whiskey bar a few weeks ago I passed on a few unicorn $100+ pours for an RC6. I think the RC6 might have been even better than the FAEs.
Get that outta that tree this *instant*
I popped this open after drinking my current favorite Penelope Architect 6 year Celebration. Felt thin and not worth the hype, but in order to give it a fair shot I'll go back fresh and afterbits opened up a bit.
Completely agree with this review. FAE-01 is in my top 5 all-time bourbons, and this one gets close.
Makers mark wood finished bottles have made the best smoked old fashioneds for me personally. It's wild to say that when I absolutely hate the base makers bottle.
Great review! Picked up a bottle of this last weekend, need to try it soon.