{"product_id":"makers-mark-wood-finishing-series-the-stewards-release-bourbon","title":"Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series The Stewards Release 2026 Bourbon","description":"\u003cp class=\"mb-6\"\u003eMaker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026 honors the operations teams who guide bourbon through every stage of production, from fermentation to bottling, using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that creates distinctive layered flavors. This third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series opens with bright aromas of cherry pie and vanilla bean, followed by tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow, and candied ginger, with a vibrant finish of stone fruit and salted caramel. Available in two proof options (109.6 and 113.3 proof) at $74.99, it represents the midpoint of a five-year series celebrating the people behind Maker's Mark's handmade bourbon craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n      \u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eMaker's Mark The Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the brand's second Wood Finishing Series, honoring the distillery's operations teams who oversee bourbon from fermentation to bottling. This limited expression employs an innovative wood stave finishing technique—featuring 10 virgin oak staves—to amplify the signature wheated bourbon's flavors, resulting in high-proof batches at 109.6 or 113.3 proof. Released at a suggested $74.99 MSRP, it marks the midpoint of a five-year series exploring the people behind the whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eBright aromas evoke cherry pie and vanilla bean, inviting a warm and nostalgic opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eLayers of honey, toasted marshmallow, and candied ginger deliver a bold yet balanced sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eA vibrant close highlights stone fruit and salted caramel for lingering depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eThis release stands out by celebrating Maker's Mark's stewards through a daring use of virgin oak staves, crafting an oak-forward profile that's nuanced and expressive without overpowering the brand's wheated heritage. As part of an ongoing series that humanizes the craftsmanship—from distillers to warehouse keepers—it pushes innovation while staying true to the founders' vision of exceptional flavor. Its limited batches ensure rarity, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking bold, story-driven bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4\"\u003eSip neat or with a splash of water to unlock its layered complexities in a Glencairn glass. For cocktails, pair its vibrant fruit and caramel notes with a simple Old Fashioned or Boulevardier to elevate classics. Perfect for savoring slowly by the fireside, allowing the oak-driven finish to shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \n      \u003cdiv class=\"mt-12\"\u003e\n        \u003ch2 class=\"mb-8\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eWhat is Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003e  \nMaker's Mark The Stewards Release is the 2026 edition of the brand's Wood Finishing Series, a limited Kentucky straight bourbon honoring the distillery's operations teams who oversee production from fermentation to bottling. It is the third release in a five\nyear series concluding in 2028, following The Heart (2024) and The Keepers (2025).\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eWhat are the key specs of Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003e  \nThis bourbon is released in two batches at 59.4% ABV (109.6 proof) and 56.65% ABV (113.3 proof), finished using an innovative wood stave technique, and available at U.S. retailers for a suggested MSRP of $74.99 per 750ml bottle.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eWhat are the flavor notes of Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003e  \nIt opens with aromas of cherry pie and vanilla bean, followed by tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow, and candied ginger, and finishes with stone fruit and salted caramel.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eHow do you enjoy Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003e  \nEnjoy it neat or with a splash of water to open up its bold, layered flavors of honey, toasted notes, and caramel finish, ideal for sipping slowly to appreciate its vibrant profile.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eWhat makes Maker's Mark The Stewards Release Wood Finishing Series 2026 special?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003e  \nIts uniqueness stems from the custom wood stave finishing that amplifies Maker's Mark's signature bourbon character, while celebrating the stewards' craftsmanship in a series dedicated to the people behind the distillery's quality and innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Garden State - ABG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48125195092216,"sku":"80126","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0352\/3140\/0072\/files\/Maker_sMarkTheStewardsReleaseWoodFinishingSeries2026.webp?v=1774131736","url":"https:\/\/thebourboncentral.com\/products\/makers-mark-wood-finishing-series-the-stewards-release-bourbon","provider":"Bourbon Central","version":"1.0","type":"link"}