Maker's Mark BRT-01, part of the Wood Finishing Series, was released in 2022 at 109.4 proof with a suggested retail price of $59.99. It is one of two expressions in the BRT series, which highlights the effects of hand-barrel rotation (BRT) and temperature on aging. BRT-01 is crafted using 10 virgin toasted American oak staves and draws inspiration from the hotter, upper parts of the rickhouse.
The palate is toasty and spicy with a medium weight. More of that cocoa-covered cherry flavor and zingy spice reflects on the palate, with some added notes of sarsaparilla and apricot, leading to a tart and spicy finish.
Fans of big boy, high-rick bourbons like George T. Stagg will find plenty of familiarity here — though this is bottled at a much more approachable and manageable abv.
Whereas I will be happy to scoop up any remaining bottles of BRT-02, I can’t say the same about this BRT-01. To reflect that, I am giving a score one notch below the middle of the range.
