Maker’s Mark has unveiled the 2026 edition of its Wood Finishing Series, dubbed The Stewards Release, an expression inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide bourbon from first fermentation to final bottling. The new release is available at U.S. retailers starting today at a suggested price of $74.99.
The Stewards Release marks the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series, a five-year journey set to conclude in 2028. It follows The Keepers Release (2025) and The Heart Release (2024), each honoring different teams at the Loretto, Kentucky, distillery.
“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director at Maker’s Mark.
“We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible,” Samuels added.
The Wood Finishing Series uses an innovative wood stave finishing technique to amplify the distinctive characteristics of Maker’s Mark’s signature bourbon.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe The Stewards Release as opening with bright aromas of cherry pie and vanilla bean, layered with honey, toasted marshmallow and candied ginger, and finishing with stone fruit and salted caramel.
Must Read Stories
“Consumers today want exceptional whisky, but they’re also interested in the values behind the brand and the people who make it,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark.
“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,” Layfield added.
The expression will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV (109.6 proof) and the other at 56.65% ABV (113.3 proof).
Maker’s Mark has steadily expanded its super-premium portfolio in recent years with expressions including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, Cellar Aged and its Private Selection custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification.
The brand holds both B Corp and Regenified certifications, driven by sustainability efforts at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky. More information is available at MakersMark.com.
