In my opinion, the annual wood finishing releases from this distillery have always ranged in quality. Thus, I have lately been very hesitant to purchase and review them, but I decided to take a chance with this bottle, knowing nothing and reading no reviews on it. Today’s review comes from the Maker’s Mark Distillery and is their third release in the wood finishing series: Maker’s Mark The Stewards Release.

Bottle Information

From the Maker’s Mark website: The Stewards Release celebrates the dedicated team at Star Hill Farm, who meticulously oversee every aspect of the process to produce Maker’s Mark. Their craftsmanship, precision, and expertise ensure that we navigate challenges seamlessly, delivering excellence from the initial liquid to the final bottling. 

This release pays tribute to the unwavering care and commitment of the distillery’s “stewards,” whose attention to detail embodies our pursuit of quality in every drop.
The result is a vibrant expression, with hints of raw honey and stone fruit.

• Distiller: Distilled, Finished, and Bottled by Maker’s Mark Distillery
• Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
• Proof: 109.8
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2026
• MSRP: $75
• Official Website

Unlike many of Maker’s Mark’s previous wood finish releases, it seems as though this release has saturated the NoCo market and can still be found in pretty much any store you walk into. Overall, this release has the characteristics to be an amazing bourbon with notes of strawberries and cream, honey, and vanilla throughout. The review started with an absolutely amazing nose, the palate then turned to just okay, and unfortunately, the finish left me wanting so much more. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Strawberries and Cream, Cherry, Honey, and Vanilla
• Palate: Spiced and Drying Oak, Vanilla, Strawberry, Honey, Baking Spice, and Cherry
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Dry Oak Tannins, Black Pepper, and Slight Vanilla
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (The nose is absolutely amazing, the palate is just good, and the finish leaves me wanting a bit more…)

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®