Bottled in February 2025, The Keepers Release is the second of five planned Limited Releases from Maker’s Mark. They are officially calling it part of their Wood Finishing Series, which is really very similar to the Private Selection Series, for all intents and purposes, in that it involves taking fully matured barrels of Maker’s Mark signature wheated bourbon, then finishing them with additional wood staves for several weeks or months before bottling. This release uses 10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves as its “formula.”
Keepers Release is inspired by the people who “oversee the maturation of our whisky, the true ‘Keepers’ of Maker’s Mark. Through cold winters and hot Kentucky summers they deploy a deep knowledge of the aging process, hand rotating casks to ensure every single drop of our whisky emerges from the barrel at its very best.” The tasting notes on the bottle suggested that this version of Maker’s Mark will be bold, oaky, and featured a toasted sweetness. It was bottled at 109.2 proof (54.6% ABV).
On the nose, I got beautiful vanilla and lesser molasses notes. When I got my nose further into the glass, I got the funkiness of the wheat in the recipe and a rich oak note. Taking a sip, I found the Keepers Release to be very sweet up front, with notes of apple and honey, before vanilla came into the picture. The middle of the palate had the boldness and spiciness ramp up very suddenly, with a good amount of oak coming into the mix, as well. The finish had some residual heat from the proof and the return of some sweeter notes. Overall, I like this expression of Maker’s Mark, but I wasn’t as enamored of it as the Heart Release from 2024.
If you find this one at a good price, buy it. The distillery had it for $80 and I’ve seen it at local liquor stores for over $100. While we were on vacation in Kentucky, I found it at a liquor store there for $40, though…a truly ridiculously good deal, so I bought two bottles.
