Maker’s Mark recently announced the newest addition for 2023 to their Wood Finishing Series, the BEP.
A statement from the distiller notes that BEP, which stands for barrel entry proof, was made to celebrate the balanced wood sugars, softer tannins and lasting finish achieved with a low barrel entry proof.
Special finishing staves were used to amplify the vanilla notes and sweet spice that naturally occur from lower barrel entry proofs, in this case 110 proof (55% ABV).
The BEP is the fifth and final bourbon in this chapter of the Wood Finishing Series.
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The Maker’s Mark statement went on to explain that in 1962, distillers were permitted to raise barrel entry proofs to 125. While this would’ve increased bourbon production, the distillers at Maker’s intentionally kept their barrel entry proof at 110, one of few distilleries to do so at the time.
Maker’s Mark distillers noted that for bourbon, a lower barrel entry proof delivers more flavor, smoothness, and even more color. The extra water, they explained, helps improve the congener concentration, which imparts flavors of caramel, vanilla and baking spice. These can decrease as BEPs increase.
The distiller’s notes describe this expression as having aromas of toasty vanilla, subtle spice, caramel, and on the palate, tastes of vanilla and brown sugar. It finishes with a medium body, balanced, with flavors of caramel and dry baking spices.
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For more information or to find a bottle, check out www.makersmark.com.
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