Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026
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**PRE-ORDER ITEM | EXPECTED TO SHIP MAY 2026**
**PLEASE NOTE: ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS INCLUDED IN YOUR ORDER WILL BE SHIPPED TOGETHER UPON THE ARRIVAL OF THIS BOTTLE.**
Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026 is a limited-edition wheated bourbon whiskey featuring an innovative 10-stave finishing process that creates concentrated wood sugars and enhanced complexity. Bottled at cask strength between 109.8-113.3 proof, this annual release delivers bold, full-bodied character while maintaining the signature smoothness of Maker's Mark's soft red winter wheat mash bill. Maker's Mark continues to push the boundaries of traditional bourbon making with their Wood Finishing Series, building on nearly 70 years of craftsmanship from their Loretto, Kentucky distillery. The Stewards Release represents the distillery's commitment to innovation while honoring their wheated bourbon heritage, and collectors know that pbexpressliquor.com is the place to find these highly allocated releases when they become available.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Rich vanilla custard, toasted oak, brown sugar, warm baking spices, dried cherry
- Palate: Concentrated caramel, dark chocolate, cinnamon bark, honeyed wheat, charred oak tannins
- Finish: Long with lingering spice, vanilla extract, oak char, and subtle fruit sweetness
Product Details:
| Spirit Type | Bourbon Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 54.9-56.65% (109.8-113.3 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Distillery | Maker's Mark |
| Region | Kentucky |
| Mash Bill | Wheated (Soft Red Winter Wheat) |
| Barrel Type | 10-Stave Virgin Oak Finishing |
Perfect For:
- Serious Collectors: Limited annual release with innovative finishing technique
- Special Occasions: Premium bourbon for celebrating life's important moments
- Neat Sipping: Complex flavors shine when enjoyed straight or with a splash of water
- Bourbon Enthusiasts: Exploring advanced wood finishing techniques in wheated bourbon
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes The Stewards Release different from regular Maker's Mark?
The Stewards Release undergoes a secondary aging process where 10 virgin oak staves are inserted directly into barrels of fully matured Maker's Mark. This innovative technique extracts concentrated wood sugars and tannins, creating a more complex flavor profile at cask strength rather than the standard 90 proof bottling.
How should I drink Maker's Mark The Stewards Release?
This cask strength bourbon is excellent neat to appreciate its full complexity, though a few drops of water can help open up the flavors. The high proof makes it perfect for sipping slowly, and the concentrated flavors also work beautifully in premium cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Is this bourbon worth the premium price over standard Maker's Mark?
The Stewards Release offers significantly more complexity and intensity than standard Maker's Mark due to the custom stave finishing and cask strength bottling. For bourbon collectors and enthusiasts seeking innovative expressions, the unique production method and limited availability justify the premium pricing.
How long will this bottle last once opened?
Bourbon doesn't expire once opened, and this high-proof expression will maintain its quality for years when stored properly. Keep the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations, and the flavors will remain consistent for many years of enjoyment.
What other bourbons compare to The Stewards Release?
This bourbon sits in the premium wheated category alongside bottles like Weller Special Reserve or Old Forester 1897, but the custom stave finishing makes it unique. If you enjoy wood-forward, cask strength bourbons like Booker's or Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof, you'll appreciate this innovative approach to finishing.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.
Shipping Information
- We do not ship to the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Utah.
- All orders require an ADULT (21+) signature upon delivery or the package WILL NOT be delivered.
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