Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Region: Loretto, Kentucky
Aging: 4 Years
ABV: 54.8%
Proof: 109.6
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Soft Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Non-Chill Filtered: No
MSRP Price: $70
Appearance: Dark Amber
Maker’s Mark BEP Wood Finishing Series Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, baking spice, dark fruits, citrus zest, wheat
Palate: Rich Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, buttery brown sugar, baking spice, citrus zest
Finish: Smooth medium finish with an excellent buttery mouth feel. Leaves you with lasting flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak with a lingering spice on the tail end
What does BEP Mean on the Maker’s Mark Bottle?
BEP stands for Maker’s Mark’s 110 Barrel Entry Proof.
Maker’s Mark goes into the barrel at this lower 110 proof to achieve the unique flavor profile established by Bill Samuels, Sr in 1953.
This is the seventh and final entry in the Wood Finishing Series.
From the Maker’s Mark bottle itself:
“With our 2023 Wood Finishing Series release, we’re showcasing the influence of our unique 110 barrel entry proof (BEP). We go in at this lower proof to achieve the one-of-a-kind taste profile Bill Samuels, Sr., established in 1953. Anything less or more wouldn’t truly be or taste like the Maker’s Mark you know.
To celebrate our special 110 entry proof, we’ve created an expression that features even more of what you get from a lower entry proof – more wood sugars, more barrel characteristics and, ultimately, a more flavorful sip.
Our first chapter of the Wood Finishing Series has been a way of honoring all the elements that make Maker’s Maker’s. But with this seventh and final expression, we’re closing the chapter out (with a just-as-exciting chapter to follow). Enjoy accordingly!”
Is Maker’s Mark BEP an Approachable Whisky?
Maker’s Mark BEP has a bit of heat on it since it is nearly 110 proof.
While there are lovely flavors, it might be a bit bold for a beginner whiskey drinker.
Is Maker’s Mark BEP Complex?
Maker’s Mark BEP 2023 has a lot of layers of flavor.
It starts with the caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak you would expect from a nice bourbon.
But then, you start to notice the lovely mouthfeel that coats your entire mouth and you move the whisky around your mouth.
It’s not a heavy mouthfeel, but a well-balanced one.
The flavors then turn up a notch and you start to notice even more oak which comes from the Stave details Maker’s added to this batch which is listed as “10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves”.
If you’ve had the Maker’s Mark French Oaked No. 46, this bottle is like that except far better.
What are Maker’s Mark BEP’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Maker’s Mark BEP’s strongest attribute is definitely the balanced complexity of flavors.
It has a perfectly balanced blend of caramel, oak, vanilla, baking spice, and even some notes of citrus that just come together perfectly with a nice finish to round it all out.
Is Maker’s Mark BEP a go-to whisky?
If Maker’s Mark BEP weren’t a 2023 limited release, I would certainly drink this whisky as my go-to pour all the time.
However, it is relatively limited and is one that I will reserve for special occasions and to share with friends.
Is Maker’s Mark BEP priced accurately to its quality?
Maker’s Mark BEP is a limited release and does cost a bit more than your standard bottles of Maker’s Mark, but it does deliver on its price tag.
Conclusion for Maker’s Mark BEP Wood Finishing Series – 2023 Limited Release
This is my favorite bottle of Maker’s Mark that I’ve reviewed so far.
At the $70 price point, if you see a bottle of this Maker’s Mark 2023 BEP Series, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let me know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Thanks for reading and cheers!
0 Comments