Whiskey Connoisseurs, Rejoice: Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is Back with a Twist

As a long-time fan of Maker’s Mark, I was thrilled to hear about the revival of their Wood Finishing Series. The series, which saw a brief hiatus, is back with a new expression called The Heart Release. But what sets this new release apart from its predecessors?

The original Wood Finishing Series was all about experimenting with new stave finishes, pushing the boundaries of what Maker’s Mark was capable of. Each release introduced a new stave profile, showcasing the art of secondary aging. However, with The Heart Release, the focus has shifted. Instead of a new stave, the distillery team was asked to describe what they taste, smell, and experience on the job. The resulting whiskey was then engineered to fit those flavors.

The Maker’s Mark team’s passion and expertise shine through in every bottle.

In practical terms, this meant selecting 10 newly charred French oak staves for the secondary aging process. The batch was split into two parts, with one aged for five weeks and the other for nine weeks. The two parts were then blended equally. But this raises an important question: what sets this apart from Maker’s Mark 46, which also uses newly charred French oak staves?

The answer lies in the profile. The Heart Release boasts flavors of silky, bittersweet dark chocolate, dark stone fruit jam, and seasoned, toasted oak. There’s a hint of wood smoke and pleasant wood spice, making this whiskey a true delight.

The rich, velvety texture and deep flavors of The Heart Release make it a standout.

But is it unique enough? With Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength offering a similar profile at a similar price point, it’s fair to wonder. Perhaps the answer lies in the story behind the whiskey. The Heart Release is a celebration of the people behind the brand, a testament to their expertise and passion.

The Heart Release is a true labor of love, and it shows in every sip.

At an MSRP of $75, The Heart Release is an affordable luxury for whiskey enthusiasts. While it may not be the most revolutionary release, it’s still a delicious addition to the Wood Finishing Series. And who knows? Maybe this is just the beginning of a new chapter for Maker’s Mark.

Makers Mark: where tradition meets innovation.