From Barrel to Bottle: The Craftsmanship of Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026

Made in Loretto, Kentucky, this Bourbon release brings a fresh twist to a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky profile. Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026 is a limited, annual batch that shows how far wood finishing can push flavor while keeping Maker’s Mark’s signature wheated smoothness.

Maker’s Mark is known for its iconic red wax seal and its softer, rounder style built on red winter wheat. With Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026 (Code EBE-26), fully matured cask strength bourbon goes through a secondary maturation using exactly 10 virgin oak staves placed right into the barrel, pulling out concentrated wood sugars and tannins for a deeper, bolder sip.

The bottle looks like a true top-shelf centerpiece: that unmistakable dripping red wax over the neck, a clean Wood Finishing Series label, and “The Stewards Release 2026” called out front and center. The bourbon’s rich amber color shows through the glass, hinting at the intense, full-bodied character inside.

Looking to compare more styles? You can shop premium bourbon or browse our whiskey collection for more high-impact pours.

At a Glance: Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026

• Producer: Maker’s Mark (Loretto, KY)
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (Stave Finished)
• Region: United States (Kentucky)
• Proof: 109.8 – 113.3 Proof / 54.9-56.65% ABV

Tasting Notes: A Sensory Experience

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