Today we're taking a look at The Steward's Release from Maker's Mark! This is the 3rd entry into the revived Wood Finishing Series and features Maker's bourbon finished with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. This is a series that seems to not get much attention now that Star Hill Farms and Cellar Aged are a yearly release, but it's still one I always look forward to. I popped The Steward's Release while at the beach this year and, spoiler alert, was very pleased with it. Let's dive into it.

**Taken:** Neat in a Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes.

**Age:** NAS

**Proof:** 109.8

**Nose:** Maker's consistently has some of the best aromas in all of whiskey for me and that train isn't stopping here. Strawberries and vanilla cream, brown sugar, and a mild tobacco. Giving the glass a swirl really brings out all the red fruits. Strawberries, cherries, vanilla cream, more brown sugar, and some oak.

**Palate:** Good oily viscosity of sweet cinnamon, black pepper, mild strawberries, and oak. Not as fruit-forward initially as the nose would lead you to believe, but after a few sips those bright fruits start to really set in. Strawberry Creme Savers candy, cinnamon, cherries, honey, and oak.

**Finish:** Medium finish of tingling baking spices, cherries, cinnamon, and a drying oak.

The Steward's Release is another success from Maker's who has been on a tear lately with their releases. I have not formally reviewed The Keeper's Release yet, but for me this one just edges out The Heart from 2024 and while the first few sips didn't lean very fruity, it didn't take long for this one to turn into a red fruit bomb on the palate.

t8ke scale: 7.8/10 | Great | Well above average.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average.

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.

10 | Perfect | Perfect.

Review #160: Maker's Mark - The Steward's Release (2026)