Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026

Experience the latest masterful innovation in wheated bourbon with the Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026. Continuing the distillery's highly acclaimed legacy of custom barrel finishing, this exclusive annual batch offers a profound new perspective on the classic Maker's Mark flavor profile. Sealed in the iconic dripping red wax, this highly allocated release is an absolute must-have for serious bourbon collectors shopping at Nestor Liquor.

To create "The Stewards Release" (Code EBE-26), fully matured Maker's Mark cask strength bourbon is treated to a secondary aging process using exactly 10 virgin oak staves inserted directly into the barrel. This meticulous technique extracts a deeply concentrated, unique set of wood sugars and tannins. Bottled at a robust 109.8 - 113.3 Proof (54.9-56.65% ABV), it delivers a bold, viscous, and full-bodied sipping experience that remains remarkably smooth thanks to its signature soft red winter wheat foundation.

Key Features

• Producer: Maker's Mark (Loretto, KY)
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (Stave Finished)
• Proof: 54.9-56.65% ABV
• Finish: Secondary maturation with 10 virgin oak staves
• Edition: 2026 Wood Finishing Series (The Stewards Release)

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Inviting and vibrant. Bright aromas of fresh orchard fruits and warm vanilla bean are layered over heavy, toasted oak and sweet caramel.
• Palate: Viscous, complex, and full-bodied. The high proof carries luscious, concentrated notes of raw honey and sweet stone fruit, balanced by a robust wave of baking spices and seasoned wood tannins from the virgin oak staves.
• Finish: Exceptionally long, warming, and sweet. It leaves a lingering, satisfying trail of dark honey, subtle cinnamon, and elegant oak.

Why Choose The Stewards Release 2026?

• Unique Stave Profile: The use of 10 virgin oak staves imparts a distinctively bold and fresh wood character that stands apart from previous years in the Wood Finishing Series.
• Cask Strength Purity: At 109.8 - 113.3 proof, this expression offers an incredibly intense and flavorful way to experience Maker's Mark's masterful blending and finishing techniques.
• Highly Sought-After: As an annual limited release signed off by the grandson of the founders, Rob Samuels, it is a centerpiece bottle that commands attention on any top shelf.