When I started this blog, I was not a fan of wheated bourbons, and some of my first reviews really showed this. As my palate has developed, so has my increased like for the genre of bourbon. Although not all wheated bourbons are made equally, and there are still many I do not enjoy, I have come to be fond of the recent releases from the Marker’s Mark. Today’s review comes from the Maker’s Mark Distillery and is the second release in this series; Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release.

Bottle Information

From the Maker’s Mark website: The Keepers Release celebrates those who craft our handmade bourbon at Star Hill Farm. It is inspired by the people who oversee the maturation of our whisky, the true “Keepers” of Maker’s Mark. This bold expression features hints of seasoned oak and brûlée sugar, offering a long and enveloping mouthfeel with notes of dried fruit and roasted sweetness.

• Distiller: Distilled, Finished, and Bottled by Maker’s Mark Distillery
• Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
• Proof: 109.2
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $65
• Official Website

I believe Maker’s Mark must have increased the production size on this second release in the series as it is easily found throughout NoCo. I know this is considered a limited release, however, there are still several dozens of bottles just in my local vicinity sitting on shelves. Overall, this release is heavily influenced by what I call the “wheat funk” but I am transitioning to calling more of a bread dough note. The are additional notes of red fruit, vanilla, and baking spice, but they are overpowered by the bread dough. This is still a solid wheated bourbon, but I prefer last year’s The Heart Release. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Red Fruit, Bread Dough, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, and Baking Spice
• Palate: Baking Spice, Bread Dough, Red Fruit, Vanilla, Caramel, and Oak
• Finish: Medium with Drying or Tanic Oak and Sweet Baking Spice
• My Rating: Mix it!/Drink It! (A solid Wheated Bourbon, but I personally prefer last year’s 2024 The Heart Release)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®