Marker’s Mark Unveils This Year’s Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

Maker’s Mark announced earlier this week the 2026 release of their Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. This bottling is inspired by the distillery’s operations staff, who guide the bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling. The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series features one-of-a-kind expressions crafted using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s signature bourbon.

“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible.”

Marking the midpoint of a five-year journey, the Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series. Set to conclude in 2028, this series explores the people behind the proof and follows The Keepers Release (2025), inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker’s Mark matures consistently to the founders’ taste vision, and The Heart Release (2024), inspired by the distillery team—the makers of Maker’s Mark, crafting its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV / 109.6 proof, and the other at 56.65% ABV / 113.3 proof.