Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series BRT-01 is the fourth release in the distillery's annual limited edition series and one half of a matched pair designed to let you taste your way through the rickhouse. The letters BRT stand for hand-barrel rotation, the practice that defines how Maker's Mark achieves its signature consistency. The distillery has always hand rotated barrels from the top of the rickhouse to the bottom so each one gets equal exposure to Kentucky's temperature swings. For this release, the team did the opposite: barrels were left in place for their entire maturation, and the resulting whiskies were finished with proprietary staves to amplify what each position contributes. BRT-01 is inspired by the hotter top of the rickhouse, where faster extraction dominates the early years, and it is finished in a secondary barrel fitted with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves to dial those flavors up. Its companion, BRT-02, uses French oak staves and reflects the cooler bottom. Both begin as fully matured cask strength Maker's Mark, made from the brand's wheated mash of corn, red winter wheat and malted barley at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Bottled at cask strength of 109.4 proof (54.7% ABV), BRT-01 pours a deep russet amber. The nose leads with caramel and butterscotch mixed with sweet spice and a distinct caramelized barrel character. The palate is bright and generous, with caramel, vanilla cupcake, buttered toast, brown sugar and stone fruit over a luscious, thick mouthfeel. The finish is warm and toasty, with toasted oak, cinnamon and a lingering hint of honey. Released in October 2022 in strictly limited quantities and finished by hand with the brand's signature red wax dip, it has become a hard bottle to find.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
54.7% |
| Proof |
109.4 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, Wheated |
| Release |
Wood Finishing Series 2022, BRT-01 |
| Distillery |
Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky |
| Mashbill |
Corn, red winter wheat and malted barley |
| Finish |
10 virgin toasted American oak staves |
| Strength |
Cask strength |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep russet amber.
Nose: Caramel and butterscotch with sweet spice and caramelized barrel.
Palate: Bright and thick, with caramel, vanilla cupcake, buttered toast, brown sugar and stone fruit.
Finish: Warm and toasty, with toasted oak, cinnamon and a hint of honey.
FAQ
What does BRT stand for?
Hand-barrel rotation, the practice Maker's Mark uses to give every barrel equal exposure to temperature changes in the rickhouse.
How is BRT-01 different from BRT-02?
BRT-01 is inspired by the hotter top of the rickhouse and finished with American oak staves. BRT-02 reflects the cooler bottom and uses French oak staves. Both are bottled at 109.4 proof and are meant to be enjoyed as a pair.
What proof is BRT-01?
It is bottled at cask strength, 54.7% ABV, which is 109.4 proof.
Is Maker's Mark a wheated bourbon?
Yes. It uses soft red winter wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain, giving it a smoother, rounder profile.
Is this a flavored whiskey?
No. The staves add flavor through wood extraction during a secondary barrel finish, with nothing added to the whisky.
Where can I buy Maker's Mark BRT-01 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
