Day 21 of DB's Bourbon Trail 2023 Advent Calendar - Maker’s Mark 2023 Limited Release BEP

Cheers and welcome to our 4th Annual Advent Calendar! Throughout the next month, we will be going on a high-end bourbon journey together and reviewing 25 bourbons from award winning distilleries across America. Starting on December 1st and ending on December 25th - we will get to experience everything from small batches to single barrels that are jam packed with flavor. Please join us in toasting to another incredible year and getting to virtually share some of our favorite bottles from this past year with you!

**This review has been completed by using a Glencairn glass and neat if you want to compare the same tasting notes as DB’s Bourbon Trail. BUT - the best thing about it being YOUR bourbon is that you get to enjoy it that way YOU want to and prefer! As long as it brings us together and you are enjoying it - pour it over ice, add water, or add it to a cocktail! It’s all about what makes you happy and what you enjoy - don’t let others influence you differently!**

Enough of me rambling, let’s dive into what brought us here!

Day 21 of DB’s Bourbon Trail 2023 Advent Calendar

Maker’s Mark - Wood Finishing Series - 2023 Limited Release BEP

Proof:

• 110.7 Proof (55.35%)

Distillery:

• Maker's Mark Distillery (Loretto, KY)

Message on the bottle:

"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 characterisitcs 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!"

Tasting Notes:

"An Expression With Prominent Wood Sugars Bringing Forth Strong Notes of Vanilla, Caramel and Sweet Spice"

Stave Details:

• 10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves

Price Point:

**At DB’s Bourbon Trail we utilize an app called BoozApp (not sponsored - we wish!) to ensure we are getting at least a fair price on our bourbon before purchasing. Nothing is worse than getting taken advantage of by a flipper playing the supply/demand game**

• Average MSRP:

  • $64.99

• Fair Price:

  • $96.35

• Shelf Price:

  • $64.99

• DB’s Bourbon Trail Instant Buy Price:

  • <$80.00

Review:

The first question I had when I had this bottle in my hand for the first time was - What is BEP? And oddly enough - Maker's had that same question on their website!

Crafted to amplify the balanced wood sugars, softer tannins and lasting finish achieved with our low 110 BEP. Special finishing staves were used to amplify notes of vanilla and sweet spice.

1. This limited-release bourbon showcases the influence of Maker’s® unique, 110 barrel entry proof (also known as BEP)

2. For bourbon, this process delivers more flavor, smoothness, even color. The extra water helps improve the congener concentration, which imparts flavors of caramel, vanilla and baking spice. These decrease as BEPs increase.

3. This chapter of the Wood Finishing Series explored the nuanced techniques that helped our founders deliver on that distinct Maker’s®taste vision.

Call me intrigued - lets dive in!

Nose:

• Graham Crackers, Sweet Vanilla Cream, Butterscotch

Palate:

• Butterscotch, Cinnamon Caramel Cream, Oak

Finish:

•   Cinnamon, Oak, Light Caramel Notes

Final Thoughts:

Maker's is my normal go to at weddings, regular bars, or an alternative of easy to find bourbon. It's just an iconic bottle with the wax and a easy go to! over the last couple of years, I have been lucky enough to get my hands on a few of their limited releases - and this BEP did not disappoint!

This is a very welcoming and delicious pour. I love the sweetness of this pour and can definitely confirm they were able to extract the wood sugars as expected! Pair that sweetness with a perfectly balanced cinnamon spice - and we got ourselves a top notch pour!

This is a bottle I would highly suggest of buying or at least trying. The uniqueness of this pour has a perfect twist and definitely drinks much lighter than 110 proof! Super inviting and a well balanced pour - kudos to Maker's for coming through on another great bottle!

Cheers y’all!

Interesting in what else we might have cooking? Learn more here!

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