Maker’s Mark Experiments With Flavor Again in New Wood Finishing Series Whiskey

by Francis Moses

Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 09:05PR Newswire

Maker’s Mark has unveiled the latest release in its Wood Finishing Series. The new bourbon is called The Stewards Release. It pays tribute to the people who guide the whiskey through every step of production at the distillery.

These are the teams that manage the whole process of fermentation till the bottling. The new release, in accordance with the brand, is a form of appreciation to those employees who ensure that the operation continues on the back end.

Inspired by the people behind the barrels

These employees are involved in a lot of the work including processing the grain, filling barrels and monitoring the warehouses. In a way they make the whiskey as it is possible. Rob Samuels, the managing director of Maker’s Mark, says that the distillery has never underestimated the individuals who contribute to the production of the bourbon.

Dr. Blake Layfield, the master distiller, also mentioned that a significant number of whiskey drinkers nowadays would like to know how their bourbon is produced. They also want to know who is engaged in the process.

'Bartenders feel the same way. They want to know more about the process, the ingredients and the craftsmanship in what they pour. The Stewards Release brings that philosophy to life, inspired by the operational leaders at Star Hill Farm and the care that goes into every step of production.'

- Dr. Blake Layfield

A familiar bourbon with a different finish

The Wood Finishing Series has turned out to be one of the whiskey series Maker’s Mark uses to experiment with flavours. The distillery does not alter the bourbon recipe. But instead installs wooden staves of a particular selection into the barrel during finishing.

The pieces of wood added slowly react with the bourbon as it ages. As time passes, they extract various aromas and flavours. Without altering the underlying whisky. In this release, the outcome is a bourbon whose initial flavor is cherry and vanilla.

The taste of the whiskey is described sweet with tones of notices a touch of honey and roasted marshmallow. And then a touch of spice and candied ginger.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet tones of cherry and vanilla beans are detected at first with gentle nuances of baked fruit.
Palate: Honey and toasted marshmallow are the dominant flavors, followed by ginger and subtle spice.
Finish: A light finish with stone fruit and a hint of salted caramel.

Part of a longer whiskey series

The third chapter in the present cycle of Wood Finishing Series is the Stewards Release. The previous releases were The Heart Release in 2024 and The Keepers Release in 2025. All of them feature a different segments of people who contribute to the production of Maker’s Mark bourbon. The show is projected to last till 2028.

Availability and Price

The Stewards Release comes in two editions. One of them is bottled at 59.4% ABV, and the other one is a little less at 56.65% ABV. Both editions are currently distributed by retailers in the United States. The price is 74,99 dollars, but exact retailers aren't specified.