Maker’s Mark BRT-02 (2022 Limited Release)
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished with 10 Virgin Toasted French Oak Staves
Company: Beam Suntory
Release Date: Fall 2022
Proof: 109.4
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Dark Honey
MSRP: $60 (2022)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The wheated profile of the Maker’s Mark BRT-02 comes through on the nose with grainy and oaky notes. A hint of caramel and peanuts emerges, reminiscent of a Snickers candy bar but with minimal sweetness. There’s also a subtle dryness, evoking a pinot grigio-like grape note. While there’s also a touch of honey, a slight harshness tempers the overall nose.
The palate is light and smooth at first, the mouthfeel is approachable, though lacking in distinct flavors beyond a standard bourbon profile. Hints of leather and oak dominate, with a faint suggestion of Butterfinger candy but far less sweet. The palate grows more complex over time, but sweetness remains minimal, favoring a dry, earthy tone.
The finish is long, dry, and oak-forward, with a noticeable bite that stings and dries out the mouth. While the dryness lingers, it lacks redeeming sweetness, leaving behind predominantly woody notes. For those who enjoy a bold, oak-heavy finish, this could be a highlight, though it may be too harsh for some.
Maker’s Mark BRT-02 leans heavily into a traditional wheated bourbon profile, with a focus on oak and dry characteristics rather than sweetness. While its MSRP might appeal to dedicated Maker’s fans, its harsher elements and lack of standout flavors could make it a tougher sale for casual bourbon enthusiasts. It’s a solid, complex pour but may not offer enough excitement for those seeking bold sweetness or unique notes.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
There is a bit of a harshness to the nose, but also a pleasant, sweet, caramel peanut.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is extremely light but pleasantly smooth. However, the transition to the finish develops quite a burn.
I had a very difficult time identifying any specific flavors other than just bourbon.
THE FINISH:
The finish has such a bite to it that leaves a dry stinging in the mouth, without much flavor to redeem it.
BUY OR PASS?
This bottle felt a bit too harsh for me, without a whole lot to redeem it.
It has a very standard bourbon profile with a complex palate and many will probably really enjoy it!
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
The wheated profile is front and center—grainy and oaky. There’s a hint of Snickers candy bar here, but with most of the sweetness dialed back.
I get a touch of honey, and maybe even a bit of grape that reminds me of a dry wine, like pinot grigio—definitely not the usual bourbon sweetness.
THE TASTE:
It starts with a little sweetness, but quickly turns towards leather with some harsher notes.
As it opens up, I’m reminded of Butterfinger candy, but again, it’s much less sweet than that comparison might suggest.
THE FINISH:
The finish is long and drying, with a lot of oak.
It’s not quite my style, but if you’re big into Maker’s, this could be just the finish you’re looking for.
BUY OR PASS?
Maker’s special releases don’t usually hit the mark for me, mainly because I’m not a wheated bourbon fan. There’s nothing bad here, but also nothing that really excites me either.
As it opens, there’s a touch more sweetness, but not enough to change the experience for me.
