Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026

Overview
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2026 "The Stewards Release" is the third installment in the brand’s second five-year Wood Finishing Series, honoring the dedicated teams who oversee every stage of bourbon production at Star Hill Farm. Inspired by the operations team responsible for guiding Maker’s Mark from fermentation through bottling, this limited-edition release showcases the distillery’s innovative oak stave-finishing process and commitment to craftsmanship. Bottled at cask strength and produced in limited quantities, The Stewards Release delivers a vibrant, fruit-forward profile layered with rich sweetness, oak complexity, and exceptional depth.

🥃 Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bright aromas of cherry pie, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and honey with hints of raspberry, cinnamon, and floral undertones.

• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with flavors of honey, toasted marshmallow, candied ginger, sweet oak, stewed berries, and warm baking spices. Layers of vanilla and caramel create remarkable balance.

• Finish: Long, vibrant, and warming with lingering notes of stone fruit, salted caramel, barrel char, oak spice, and subtle maple sweetness.

🔍 Key Details

• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Brand: Maker’s Mark

• Series: Wood Finishing Series

• Edition: The Stewards Release (2026)

• Proof / ABV: Cask Strength (109.6–113.3 Proof, depending on batch)

• Size: 750 mL

• Finishing Process: Finished with 10 specially selected toasted American oak staves

• Release Type: Limited Annual Release

• Profile: Fruit-forward, oak-rich, complex, and intensely flavorful with signature Maker’s Mark sweetness

🍸 How to Enjoy It

• Neat: The best way to experience its layered fruit, spice, and oak complexity.

• With a few drops of water: Opens additional honey, vanilla, and stone fruit notes while softening the proof.

• On a large ice cube: Maintains depth while mellowing the cask-strength intensity.

• Special occasions: Perfect for collector tastings, celebrations, and sharing with fellow bourbon enthusiasts.

• Pairings: Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, pecan pie, smoked brisket, roasted nuts, and aged cheeses.

✅ Who It’s For

Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release is ideal for bourbon enthusiasts, Maker’s Mark collectors, and fans of cask-strength whiskey looking for a limited-edition expression with exceptional depth and character. Its combination of innovative wood-finishing techniques, fruit-forward complexity, and collectible status makes it one of the most exciting releases in the Wood Finishing Series and a standout addition to any premium bourbon collection.