Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2024 The Heart Release

A comparison of several Maker's Mark Wood-Finishing Series bourbons was conducted, ultimately crowning the BRT-02 Limited Release as the clear winner. The evaluation began with Maker's Mark Cask Strength, followed by Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength, and then three special releases: The Heart Release 2024, The Keeper's Release 2025, and a Private Selection Unique Stave Selection. The tasting spanned multiple days. Acknowledging a fondness for Maker's Mark and its Wood-Finishing Series, which originated with Maker's 46, the reviewer notes the widespread experimentation with special barrel finishes across various whiskey types. The initial intent was to examine three specific finishing series expressions, but the need for a baseline led to including the Cask Strength and French Oaked Cask Strength bottlings, and finally, an unopened BRT-02 was added. Maker's Mark Cask Strength The reviewer, typically a fan of Maker's Mark and its 46 expression, has never been particularly drawn to the Cask Strength version, despite a preference for high-proof bourbon and a belief that barrel-proof expressions offer a more authentic taste. A persistent musty note was identified, which the reviewer now attributes to the wood. Unlike the intended rich vanilla and other flavors from new oak, this wood contributes a taste of age, contrary to bourbon's legal aging requirements. Compared to the other five bourbons in the tasting, the Cask Strength felt muted, with the wood having little impact. It can be found for approximately $45. The reviewer would repurchase it, mainly for cocktails due to its high alcohol content. Batch No. 21-02, 55.2% ABV. Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked Cask Strength This expression presented as significantly richer and more profound than the standard Cask Strength, and also more robust than the Heart, Keeper's, and Private Selection bottlings, which appeared more subtle in comparison. While the MM46 felt somewhat less complex than the others, its depth and richness were compelling. Tasting notes included hot chocolate, cocoa, dried apricot, cola, vanilla, and a hint of dill, along with prominent oak. The palate offered cinnamon apples and clove, leading to a medium-length finish dominated by oak characteristics. Batch 24-01, 55.3% ABV. Maker's Mark BRT-02 Limited Release (2022) This bourbon was described as elegant and powerful, with sweet and fruity notes of cocoa, espresso, dates, caramel apple, smoked BBQ, oak, and vanilla. It was notably the smoothest of the group, despite minimal proof variation among the selections. The finish was exceptionally long, featuring chocolate fudge and maple candy. The BRT-02 can still be found online for approximately $140. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French Oak staves, 54.7% ABV. Maker's Mark The Heart Release 2004 The reviewer expressed surprise at not having previously reviewed this expression, as this was the final pour from the bottle. The label's description of "Caramel, Chocolate, Maple" was seen as leading the witness, with caramel and chocolate being common descriptors and maple less so. The reviewer detected notes of chocolate-covered cherries, cocoa, pipe tobacco, new saddle leather, and spearmint. The palate lacked viscosity. The finish included cinnamon red hots, clove, wood tannins, and cooling licorice. The alcohol felt noticeable and somewhat unbalanced, with higher-proof spirits integrating better. Launched at a $75 retail price, it remains available online slightly above that. The reviewer questioned the market's valuation, suggesting overproduction, lack of enthusiast appeal, or both. While enjoyed, it wasn't particularly remarkable compared to earlier FAE and BEP releases. It was deemed fruitier and potentially more complex than the Maker's 46 Cask Strength. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted French oak staves. Volume 1 of 5. Bottled June 2024, 56.0% ABV. Maker's Mark The Keeper's Release 2005 The label's description of "Bold, Oak, Toasted Sweetness" was met with a dismissive "And?" The reviewer found the originality lacking but proceeded with the tasting "for science." The nose offered prominent cherry cordial, sawdust (not necessarily negative), cocoa, mocha, apple, spearmint, and oak. The palate was neither oily nor viscous, with oaky tannins and alcohol. A cooling spearmint and licorice note persisted throughout, complemented by bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, and espresso on the finish, with a late peach note. The reviewer defended the "Bold" and "Oak" descriptors, noting bourbon's inherent aging requirements. The "Toasted Sweetness" was attributed to the toasted oak. The Keeper's Release is still available around its $75 release price. The reviewer might repurchase it to continue exploring Maker's expressions, slightly preferring it over The Heart Release, though noting limited differentiation. Stave Profile: 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. Release 2 of 5. Bottled February 2025, 54.6% ABV. Maker's Mark Unique Stave Selection 086/246 This expression was the most "woodsy" of the three, offering notes of marzipan, cocoa, and peaches, and was sweeter than the others. It possessed more viscosity than The Heart or Keeper's releases. The finish featured vanilla, chocolate fudge, and licorice. While all Unique Stave Selections are distinct, variants like this one can be found for approximately $85. Stave Profile: Baked American Pure (0); seared French cuvée (3); Maker’s Mark 46 (1); roasted French mendiant (5); toasted French spice (1). No. 086/246, 55.35% ABV. Overall Comparison Tasted over several days in small quantities, these bourbons felt somewhat unrefined compared to the elegant and complex BRT-02. The 46 was the boldest, while the Unique Stave Selection was the sweetest. The ranking placed BRT-02 Limited Release first, followed by Private Selection Unique Stave Selection 086/246, Marker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength, The Heart Release 2024, The Keeper’s Release 2025, and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength last. The reviewer found recent special releases not on par with the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series or earlier FAE and BRT predecessors. Skepticism towards private barrel selections was noted, yet this particular private selection outperformed more prominent releases in several aspects. The Maker’s 46 French Oaked Cask Strength was highlighted as the best value, priced only slightly less than the special releases.

A subsequent release of Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series?! My heart be still. At the recommended retail price, these are some of the best value, limited edition bourbons available. And I was eager to get my hands on this one. Baking spices and dark chocolate are prominent on the nose, along with some slightly burnt caramel that gives the aroma a somewhat charred, toasted quality. Deeper in the nose, you can detect overripe cherries and a bit of tannic oak, creating a well-rounded, if slightly less sweet, scent. Fortunately, the sweetness is certainly apparent at the start of the taste, with chocolate and maple gently warming the tongue. The heat provides a slight tingle, but it's not unpleasant or stinging. That tannic oak is much less noticeable in the taste but is definitely an underlying note that emerges mid-palate with baking spice. Sweet and spicy cinnamon finishes the taste and adds a bit more tongue tingle from the proof. As the taste progresses to the finish, some tart cherry joins the spice, creating more viscosity in the mouthfeel, which was otherwise lacking until then. The finish is medium in length but not particularly oily. Cherry lingers in the finish, as does some tannic oak. The spice gradually fades, giving way to slight tartness and tannins. Although this release is a little less sweet than I typically expect from Maker's Mark, it is indeed another success. I've heard they were just released this month, so hurry and grab a bottle before they're gone. It is well worth the cost.

Color: A pleasant medium copper-amber. Nose: Molasses; brown sugar; sweet oak; leather. My partner observes, "Coca Cola"... perhaps due to suggestion, but I understand the comparison. This aroma suggests a good palate experience. Let's find out... Palate: (Enjoyed with an ice cube) Oh, remarkable! Initially sweet and slightly syrupy on the palate. A very mild chest warmth. A good measure of charred oak, and a familiar "bitterness", but not unpleasant at all. As I took another sip, a strong caramel aroma hit me. I'm eager to see how this bottle evolves with more pours. The more I taste, the creamier it feels on the tongue... and the more my tongue tingles. However, I must also note, it's quite smooth for its proof. Barely any burn or "alcohol" notes in the profile. It's all "sweet-spice-oak-char-caramel". Finish: I would describe this as one of the longer finishes I've experienced recently. Plenty of spicy wood and more oaky sweetness. Folks, this is truly excellent. I haven't tried many expressions from this distillery recently. The 101, 46, the special releases are far behind in my memory... although I enjoyed them all, I believe this "Heart" expression is the best, as far as I can recall. I paid just over $70 for this bottle. Another shop nearby was selling it for $100. Am I pleased I traveled a bit further to avoid paying $100 for it? Yes! Would I spend $70 on it again? Yes! It's a definite repurchase... but only at the same price (or less, if possible). No more than that. I almost wish I had bought another. A solid 4.0 stars. However, this is one I could see improving in the near future.

Volume 1 of 5 Code BR-22A Distilled - June 2024 56% alcohol by volume; 112 proof Opened 4 days ago Nose - Brown sugar, milk chocolate, cherry, a hot maple doughnut, cinnamon, medium oak, and moderate ethanol. Palate - Chocolate-covered cherry, maple syrup, chocolate with caramel filling, orange compote, nutmeg, and bread pudding. The finish is long, featuring sweet oak, barrel char, cocoa nibs, cherry cordial, an unfrosted cinnamon bun, and light ethanol. I am thrilled this series is available again, despite the $15 price increase. While Maker's Mark Private Selections are readily available for a similar cost, the history of excellent Wood Finishing Series releases leads me to trust the master distillers more than random stave selections from stores or clubs. I believe this is an outstanding release. The chocolate-covered cherry and maple notes carry through from the aroma to the taste to the finish. It's remarkably consistent. Some might criticize its lack of complexity, but I'd argue that many exceptional batches and single barrels from brands like 1792, Elijah Craig, Jack Daniel's, Knob Creek, or Russell's Reserve aren't necessarily complex either. (Indeed, I favor large distilleries that offer excellent whiskey below $100). They simply deliver the desired bourbon flavors and, crucially, make you want another sip. The moment the long finish fades, I reach for another taste. That's the hallmark of a superb whiskey. If you encounter this at or near the suggested retail price and have enjoyed previous Maker's Mark finished expressions, I highly recommend acquiring it.

Second installment in Maker's Mark's wood finishing experiment. Code BR22-A, Volume 1 of 5, 10 virgin toasted French oak staves, bottled April 2024, 55.85% ABV. Stated taste notes: caramel, chocolate, maple. I'm tasting this neat. Lighter coating legs and a rosy bronze color in the glass. The aroma is soft grain, vanilla oak, apple, and cocoa powder. Sweet and floral, with a hint of spice in the background--very pleasant. In the mouth, oak tannins and toasted baking spices explode. Pepper, clove, and cinnamon, vanilla, dry cocoa, charred oak, and sugar caramelized to flame. A tingling mouthfeel, not oily but not thin either - it lingers. The finish is loooong and tingling: spicy, dusty dry, tart apple, dark chocolate bittersweet. Adding ice brings out the chocolate and caramel notes, and softens the tannins. Overall, a good drink either way. This second round of Maker's Mark experimenting with French oak stave finishes is an oak spice explosion. Some may find it excessive, but I enjoy the contrast with the smoother wheated Maker's Mark profile. I perceive the distiller's notes of chocolate, but not so much maple. I'll continue contemplating this as I drink the bottle.

The aroma opens with black cherry, caramel chew candy, barrel char, toasted oak, grape, vanilla bean, leather, and nutmeg. The ethanol is somewhat present, but it's not a dealbreaker. It's complex. The palate brings chocolate, black cherry, walnut, burnt brown sugar, red apple, maple, toasted marshmallow, furniture polish, and gingerbread. There's a lot going on here. The oak is definitely prevalent, maybe a little too prevalent as it kind of overshadows some of the more desirable notes. The flavors are rich. The extremely long finish offers more oak, blood orange, cinnamon, pepper, clove, caramel, and an indistinct earthiness. The mouthfeel is excellent; full-bodied and creamy. It perfectly complements the flavor profile. An intriguing whiskey that does a nice job of blending fruit notes with dark sugars. At $79.99, it's a winner. In fact, after tasting it, I went back to the liquor store to get another bottle and surprise, surprise, it was gone. It ranks up there with some of the best of the previous wood-finished releases.