Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release is the 2026 edition of the Wood Finishing Series fully matured cask strength Maker’s Mark given a secondary maturation with exactly 10 virgin oak staves, bottled at cask strength (109.8113.3 proof) and signed off by Rob Samuels, grandson of the founders. Release code EBE-26.

The Wood Finishing Series uses an innovative stave-finishing technique to amplify characteristics already present in Maker’s Mark’s wheated bourbon. For The Stewards Release, fully matured cask strength bourbon undergoes a secondary maturation with 10 virgin oak staves placed directly into the barrel, drawing out concentrated wood sugars and tannins for a deeper, bolder profile while keeping the soft, red-winter-wheat smoothness that defines the brand. Each year’s release carries its own stave configuration; the 2026 is sealed with the iconic dripping red wax.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bright orchard fruit and vanilla bean over toasted oak and sweet caramel
• Palate: Thick and full-bodied raw honey and sweet stone fruit carried by the high proof, balanced by baking spice and seasoned oak tannins
• Finish: Long, warming, and sweet, with dark honey, subtle cinnamon, and oak lingering

Specs

• Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, Wheated Wood Finishing Series, stave finished
• Finishing: 10 virgin oak staves, secondary maturation
• Proof: Cask strength, 109.8113.3 (54.956.65% ABV)
• Release: The Stewards Release 2026 (Code EBE-26), signed by Rob Samuels
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Maker’s Mark at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is The Stewards Release different from standard Maker’s Mark? It starts as fully matured cask strength Maker’s Mark, then gets a secondary maturation with 10 virgin oak staves added to the barrel, producing a bolder, fresher oak character and more concentrated sweetness than the standard profile.
• Is it cask strength? Yes bottled at 109.8113.3 proof (54.956.65% ABV), full strength while staying smooth on the wheated base.
• What makes it collectible? It is an annual, allocated Wood Finishing Series release (The Stewards Release, Code EBE-26), sealed with the iconic red wax and signed by Rob Samuels.

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