Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2023 Limited Release BEP Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2023 Limited Release BEP Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the last chapter of the first Wood Finishing Series from Loretto: wheated bourbon (70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley) filled at Maker’s 110 barrel-entry proof, then finished with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves and bottled at cask strength, 109.6–110.7 proof. That low fill strength is what you taste as extra wood sugar and vanilla, with toasted stave spice standing out on the palate. This limited Kentucky release is built for cold weather.

Toasty vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar open the glass, then cinnamon, baking spice, and brown butter fill a medium sip. Dry oak and cinnamon stick carry the finish with a thread of leather. It drinks like a classic wheated bourbon with the toasted staves turned up — rich, a little dry, and easy to return to.