Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 BRT-02

Probably the best bourbon I've ever had. They've gotta bring this one back.

It’s great to see a bourbon line get expanded in the way Jim Beam has done with Knob Creek. The additions of the 12 and 15 year were fantastic (especially the 12) and I’m really excited for this one. It cost me a couple bucks, but the age statement and the quality of this one’s younger brothers, I have confidence in my purchase. Nose: Gala apple/apple pie. Brown sugar, vanilla, toffee, and caramel. Peanut brittle and toasted almond. Fudge, cocoa, and milk chocolate. Black tea and tobacco. Maple. Rye, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak spice. Red ginger. A touch of sawdust and baking soda. Palate: More of that peanut brittle and toasted almond. Gala apple. Heaps of brown sugar with some caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Dried apricot. Pumpkin spice. A peppermint/baking soda note. New couch leather. Carrot cake. Cocoa, black tea, pipe smoke. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black and white pepper, rye spice, dill pickle, and oak. Finish: Brown sugar, caramel, fudge, vanilla, milk chocolate, and toffee. Pipe smoke, cocoa, and black tea. Rye spice, red ginger, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. Long finish. Very nice. This does the classic bourbon profile perfectly. Plenty of sweet, a healthy dose of dry fruit, barrel char and smoke to boot. And of course, a truck load or two of spice notes. It’s not overoaked, which is a concern for a lot of bourbons once you get into the teenage years. Instead, it’s got depth and sophistication, and does a beautiful job of encapsulating the finer elements of the Knob Creek line. This is really something. I’d say it measures up to the 12 and beats the 15 in terms of VFM. Which is impressive because it cost quadruple the former and almost double the latter. This was $200, which is exactly what I paid for the Elijah Craig 18. This is at a much higher proof, and matches the EC18 for quality. It’s amazing, and I’m really glad I managed to nab it. This was crafted to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Knob Creek, and I’d say this did a heck of a job honoring the line. 5/5. And that’s what I’m going with. Fantastic. It’s such an interesting profile. I am generally more of a fan of rye-mash bourbons than wheat-mash ones. Because the rye adds more to the profile—more times than not. Not the case here. Unbelievably rich profile, and for $70, this is an absolute no-brainer.

Massive oak wave on the nose, flavors too. Just an assault of barrel, but over a sweet bed of toffee and caramel sweetness. Excellently blended, and feels balanced despite the huge wood kick. Medium body, but feels almost thick because of the heaviness of the flavor. Love this.