Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2025 The Keeper's Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series "The Keeper's Release" Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the 2025 limited annual release from Maker's Mark's celebrated Wood Finishing Series. This expression is dedicated to honoring the warehouse team at Maker's Mark, the unsung heroes who meticulously hand-rotate every barrel during the aging process, ensuring consistent quality and flavor development.

Key Characteristics:

• Wood Finishing Series (WFS): This collection showcases Maker's Mark's innovative approach to flavor enhancement. It involves finishing fully matured Maker's Mark bourbon with specially selected and toasted wood staves, which are inserted into barrels for an additional period of maturation.
• "The Keeper's Release" (2025 Edition): This particular release is part of the "Chapter 2" of the WFS, focusing on the people behind Maker's Mark. "The Keeper's Release" pays tribute to the warehouse team, whose daily sensory experience with the aging oak and evolving whisky provides unique inspiration for the flavor profile.
• American Oak Stave Finishing: Unlike some previous WFS releases that used French oak, "The Keeper's Release" is finished with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. Two distinct types of American oak staves are used: half of the blend receives a five-week finish with one stave type, and the other half is finished for nine weeks with the second variety. These batches are then blended.
• Wheated Bourbon Base: It begins with the classic Maker's Mark mash bill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley, providing the brand's signature smooth and sweet foundation.
• Cask Strength: Bottled at 109.2 proof (54.6% ABV). This higher proof amplifies the nuanced flavors developed during the finishing process, delivering a bold and intense, yet remarkably integrated, drinking experience.
• Limited Annual Release: As with all expressions in the Wood Finishing Series, "The Keeper's Release" is a highly anticipated and allocated annual release, making it a desirable item for collectors and enthusiasts.
• Release Date & Price: It was released in March 2025 with a suggested retail price of $74.99, though market prices may vary.

Tasting Notes (Based on Maker's Mark and Expert Reviews):

• Nose: Rich and complex, with prominent aromas of seasoned oak, brûléed sugar, and tobacco. Expect notes of toasted sweetness, brown sugar, and a subtle maple from the American oak. Some reviewers also detect stone fruit and cocoa or dark chocolate.
• Palate: Bold, full-bodied, and often described as having a creamy, almost viscous mouthfeel. Flavors include toasted oak, spiced chocolate, molasses, and roasted pecans. You might also find notes of dried dark fruit (cherries, figs), caramel, vanilla, and a warming array of baking spices (cinnamon, ginger). Despite the high proof, it's often noted for drinking "below its proof" due to its excellent balance.
• Finish: Long, smooth, and enveloping, characterized by lingering notes of dried dark fruit, roasted sweetness, and seasoned oak. There can also be hints of cured tobacco and a pleasant, subtle warmth.

Awards & Recognition:

While specific awards for this very recent 2025 release are still accumulating, the Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series as a whole has consistently received high praise and numerous accolades in previous years, including:

• High ratings from prominent whisky reviewers and publications.
• Anticipated to perform well in spirits competitions given the series' strong track record.

Overall Impression:

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series "The Keeper's Release" 2025 is a compelling addition to the brand's innovative lineup. By shifting the focus to the unsung heroes of the warehouse team and utilizing a specific American oak stave profile, Maker's Mark has crafted a bourbon that is both deeply rooted in its heritage and boldly adventurous in flavor. It offers a rich, oak-forward, and complex experience that is remarkably smooth for its cask strength. This release is ideal for sipping neat or with a splash of water, appealing to bourbon connoisseurs, collectors, and those who appreciate the artistry and dedication behind every bottle of Maker's Mark.

Bottles 2 Gift
Updated: 09/20/2024

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