Full List of Maker’s Wood Finishing Series Bourbon Releases, Proof, Ranked , and More
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series has been released once annually, mostly, since the concept was developed by master distiller Freddie Noe in 2019. The Little Book whiskey is a limited edition product from Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
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The genesis of the Wood Finishing Series can be traced back to the birth of Maker’s Mark 46®. To create this elusive masterpiece, the makers took a barrel of fully matured Maker’s Mark and infused it with 10 seared virgin French oak staves – stave profile 46 – before aging it for another nine weeks in a special limestone cellar. The end product is a whiskey that is undeniably smoother than silk while boasting a bolder and more intricate flavor profile. Truly a work of art, no two barrels are the same, making each bottle a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Wood Finishing Series is a collection of deliciously unique bourbons that will leave your taste buds singing. With the latest 2023 Release, you’ll be in for a treat – but don’t wait too long because it won’t be around forever. Don’t miss out however, because this series has just released its final chapter.
Table of Contents
Maker’s Mark RC6 – 2019
The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release Bourbon is a one-of-a-kind creation that promises a flavor explosion for bourbon enthusiasts. Made with 10 unique wood staves, Stave Profile RC6, hence where the Maker’s Mark RC6 got its name.
Moreover the Wood Finishing Series features expressions with a unique stave profile. For this particular blend, they’ve partnered with the Independent Stave Company to craft a special “RC6” profile. So, when you take a sip of this exclusive bourbon, you’re not just experiencing the delicious taste – you’re also getting a little taste of bourbon-making magic. Cheers!
This limited edition bottle boasts stronger fruity notes and a crisper finish, while the sweet and spicy balance remains intact. Trust us when we say that this blend is a treat for the taste buds! And, if you were lucky enough to snag a bottle during its limited release, consider yourself lucky because you probably won’t see many of these dusties still on the shelves.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: Fruit and sweetness
- Palate: Fruit up front, a wave of baking spice hitting midpalate and the classic Maker’s Mark® sweetness coming in at the end.
- Finish: Vibrant and bright with spice and sweetness perfectly balanced for a lingering, light finish.
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: September 2019
- Proof: Cask Strength (108.2–110.5)
- Age: NAS (estimated around 6 year)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark SE4 x PR5 – 2020
The second installment in Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is a true gem that pays homage to the scrumptious vanilla and caramel flavors that make their classic expression so beloved. What makes this release so special? It’s the result of combining two unique stave profiles, SE4 and PR5, into one incredible bourbon. Trust us, you won’t regret picking up a bottle of this exclusive, one-of-a-kind spirit while it’s still available.
Here’s the secret behind the perfect balance of vanilla and caramel in the highly sought after 2020 Release. It all comes down to the magic of two stave profiles, SE4xPR5, crafted in collaboration with Independent Stave Company. While the 2019 Limited Release relied on RC6 alone, the 2020 edition found its greatness by combining two distinct stave profiles in perfect unison.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: Heavy vanilla with spiced caramel
- Palate: Butter pecan ice cream. Vanilla with creamy butter notes, dry spice and caramelized sweetness.
- Finish: Long, round and dry
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: Fall 2020
- Proof: Cask Strength (110.8)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark FAE-01 – 2021
Joining the ranks of previous limited releases, Maker’s Mark has released their third Wood Finishing Series bourbon. This time around, they’re amplifying the naturally present flavors of dried fruit and wood to create a uniquely Maker’s taste experience. Imagine the fragrance of the barrel warehouse, with rich figgy notes, a touch of tobacco, and a pleasant, earthy woodiness. It’s a flavor sensation that won’t last long on shelves, so be sure to check with your local retailer to grab a bottle before they’re gone. Get ready to savor every sip of this exclusive expression, Maker’s Mark FAE-01.
With their previous limited releases, they used various staves to create distinct flavors, but for their 2021 release, they’ve gone a step further. FAE-01 gets in on the action with a seared side and raw side, extracting unique flavors from each part of the wood. Talk about next-level wood stave magic. By only searing one side of the staves and leaving the other raw, they’re able to pull out even more mouth-watering and unique tastes from each piece of wood. This kind of attention to detail and experimentation is what takes a good drink and turns it into a great one. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and savor every sip of this special release!
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Light Gold
- Aroma: Heavy wood, dark fruit and tobacco
- Palate: Deep and dried dark fruits, big midpalate with strong tobacco and barrel extractives
- Finish: Creamy, lingering and round
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: March 2021
- Proof: Cask Strength (110.6)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark FAE-02 – 2021
The fourth installment of the Maker’s Mark® Wood Finishing Series isFAE-02. After a year of experimenting with different woods, the FAE-02 edition is a finely crafted whiskey that boasts a smooth and creamy texture with a punch of woody goodness. It’s like sipping on a warm hug from a friendly oak tree. While it does have a bit of spice to keep things interesting, the mouthfeel truly steals the show. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of these limited-release bottles, be sure to snag it before it’s gone for good. The Maker’s Mark FAE-02 is a rare gem that deserves a spot in any bourbon enthusiast’s collection.
Maker’s 2021’s lineup just got a major upgrade thanks to a year’s worth of intense research on staves. Meet FAE-02, the French Oak staves that are put through double heat-treatment via infrared and a flame finish. What does all that mumbo jumbo mean? It means the infrared creates furans, which translates to caramel flavor, while the flame finish balances that out with vanilla notes via lignin.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: Toasty, sweet oak with caramel and light brown sugar
- Palate: Texture forward with deep oak notes and spice
- Finish: Long, balanced, and consistent in texture and tone
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: September 2021
- Proof: Cask Strength (109.1)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark BRT-01 – 2022
Maker’s Mark® is known for their Wood Finishing Series, and the fourth installment may just be the most delicious way to explore their whiskey. Dubbed the BRT expressions, these two whiskies are made to be savored together. What makes them so unique? Well, Maker’s Mark® uses a consistent hand-barrel rotation and temperature control process, influencing the final taste. BRT-01 is inspired by the hotter top of the rickhouse, while BRT-02 takes notes from the cooler bottom. Tasting them side by side gives a new appreciation for the flavors and nuances of whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the whiskey game, enjoy a dram or two and discover where Maker’s Mark® gets its signature characteristics.
If you’re a Maker’s Mark fan, then you know that their bourbon is crafted with the utmost care by hand-rotating their barrels to ensure even exposure to temperature. It’s the attention to detail that gives their bourbon its consistent and sought-after flavor. But now, there’s a new kid on the block. Meet BRT-01, a bourbon inspired by the hotter top of the rickhouse where the flavors really develop. Using American oak staves to dial up those delicious flavors that have been extracted over three years, BRT-01 is the perfect addition to any whiskey lover’s collection.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: Caramel and butterscotch mixed with a sweet spice
- Palate: Bright, brown sugar and stone fruit
- Finish: Warm and toasty, paired with hints of honey
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: October 2022
- Proof: Cask Strength (109.4)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark BRT-02 – 2022
For decades, Maker’s Mark has been turning their barrels by hand to create their signature taste. It’s all about maintaining an even temperature throughout the barrel, resulting in consistent flavor every time. When it comes to whiskey production, it’s not just about heating up barrels and waiting for the magic to happen. In fact, the hottest part of the warehouse isn’t necessarily where the most interesting reactions are taking place.
The next addition to the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series was introduced, BRT-02. This whiskey is inspired by the cooler bottom level of the rickhouse, and it features French oak staves to enhance the flavors that develop during the final stages of aging. The result is a unique and delicious twist on the classic Maker’s Mark taste. This whiskey is all about the dark, rich flavors that come from careful aging and blending. With notes of fruit and chocolate, it’s a treat for the senses that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning whiskey aficionado.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: A seasoned oak nuttiness combined with molasses
- Palate: Prevalent dark fruit and chocolate with baking spices
- Finish: Long, viscous and round
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: October 2022
- Proof: Cask Strength (109.4)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
Maker’s Mark BEP – 2023
This unique blend was crafted to highlight the tasty results of Maker’s 110 barrel entry proof, resulting in a smoother and richer flavor. The team used a clever combination of finishing staves to bring out the delicious notes of vanilla and sweet spice that can only be achieved with lower BEPs. Maker’s Mark BEP is the grand finale of the Wood Finishing Series.
Back in the day, distillers could raise their barrel entry proofs to yield more bourbon. But Maker’s Mark® Bourbon wasn’t interested in volume over quality. They intentionally kept their BEP at 110, which was downright rebellious compared to the other major distilleries. The result? A more flavorful, smooth, and beautifully colored bourbon. It turns out that lower BEPs let the water work its magic, enhancing the delicious notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. Higher BEPs? They just don’t offer the same tasty perks.
Review & Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bronze
- Aroma: Toasty vanilla, subtle spice, caramel
- Palate: Bright, vanilla, brown sugar
- Finish: Medium body, balanced, rich caramel, dry baking spices
Details & Buyers Guide
- Release Date: March 2023
- Proof: Cask Strength (110.7)
- MSRP: $60
- Secondary Price: $80
MSPR Price vs Secondary Price
The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series MSRP price currently sits at $70, up from $60 for prior releases in the series. You will typically find it around the $70 to $80 range however, due to the fact that taters and bourbon flippers alike haven’t quite put it in their crosshairs thus far. Therefore the Wood Finishing Series secondary price doesn’t go much over the $80 to $100 range for some releases.
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Wood Finishing Series Review
In 2019, Maker’s Mark unveiled their Wood Finishing Series featuring cask-strength whiskey aged in barrels with unique wooden staves. Their 2022 release of BRT-01 and BRT-02 showcased the impact of aging in different areas of the rickhouse. BRT-02 came out on top with its captivating floral notes and complex taste profile, thanks to aging in French oak staves. If you’re a whiskey aficionado, the Wood Finishing Series should definitely be on your radar. It’s a fairly easy score, not priced out of reach in today’s increasingly hot market, and always a solid release from the world-renowned Loretto distillery.
Releases Ranked
- 2022 BRT-01
- 2021 FAE-01
- 2021 FAE-02
- 2020 SE4 x PR5
- 2022 BRT-02
- 2019 RC6
Wood Finishing Series Overview
Producer:Â Â Maker’s Mark Distillery
Release Category:Â Limited-Edition, Allocated
Release Frequency:Â Annual Release (some releases include multiple expressions)
Release Season:Â Â no set cadence
ABV:Â Â Varies by Release
Bottle Size:Â 750ml
MSRPÂ Price:Â $70
Avg. Price Retail: $80
AVG Secondary Price:Â $80-$100
Production Codes:Â N/A
Mash Bill:Â 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
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