Maker’s Mark Distillery has announced two new releases in its Wood Finishing Series: BRT-01 and BRT-02. They are meant to compare and contrast the different effects of rickhouse placement on whiskey.
As in the past, these new expressions showcase specific aspects of the bourbon-making process. In this case: barrel rotation.
Bourbon obviously owes a lot of its flavor to the barrel, much of which comes from the barrel’s reaction to different temperatures. Maker’s Mark hand-rotates barrels from the top to the bottom of their rickhouses, working towards equal exposure to temperatures over time for consistent flavors.
This two-part Wood Finishing Series release was made to be enjoyed as a pair, reflecting opposite ends of the rickhouse. BRT-01 represents tasting notes found at the hotter top of the rickhouse, while BRT-02 highlights tasting notes from the cooler bottom.
On the nose, BRT-01 has a nose of caramel and butterscotch mixed with a sweet spice, the company reports. The palate is bright with brown sugar and stone fruit, before a finish that’s warm and toasty, paired with hints of honey. It’s bottled at cask strength at 109.4 proof.
BRT-02 has an aroma of seasoned oak nuttiness combined with molasses, the distillery says. Flavors include dark fruit and chocolate with baking spices, plus a finish that’s viscous and round. Like its partner, BRT-02 comes bottle at cask strength, 109.4 proof.
Both launch this fall for a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
Following Bourbon Hunting Season 2022? Other limited releases this fall include:
- The 2022 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
- The Buffalo Trace 2022 Van Winkle collection
- Knob Creek 18 Year Old
- Ross & Squibb Remus Gatsby Reserve
- Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI
- High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram 2022
- Barrell Craft Spirits 2022 BCS Gray Label Bourbon
- Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten
