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Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 'The Keepers Release' Bourbon Review

I have to admit that when I learned of this new release, I thought, "How long can this Wood Finishing Series go on?" Well, it took only one taste of The Keepers Release to convince me that this extension of the series is a great idea.

Steve Coomes

• 2 min read
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 'The Keepers Release' Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon lover, any Maker's Mark fan or fan of wheated bourbon or, especially, bourbon fans who prefer traditional (rye accented) bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: Totally. Keep reading to see why.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle.

OVERALL: I have to admit that when I learned of this new release, I thought, "How long can this Wood Finishing Series go on?" Well, it took only one taste of The Keepers Release to convince me that this extension of the series is a great idea.

This may be my favorite of the lot; perhaps for its straightforward, flavor-packed presentation. Prior releases–all of which I liked–reached high and low to wring out complexity and character from different wood staves applied to elevate those spirits. All were delicious and unique, and especially so with their laboratory-sounding names. But for me of meager palate, I sometimes had to taste them side by side to discern their differences.

This one, however, stands out on its own for its approachability and simplicity. Less, it seems, is more for The Keepers Release, a lot more, in fact.

On the nose is deep, dark oak, freshly dumped whiskey barrels and air-cooled rickhouses. Cured tobacco and dark chocolate are beautifully interwoven with Black Forest cake studded with spirit-soaked cherries.

Are you thinking that this is a liquid dessert? It almost is.

It's still a bold and rich bourbon that doesn't present "soft" in that flagship Maker's Mark wheated way. It's got plenty of spice, mouthfeel and structure reinforced with a nicely measured dose of tannin. Doubtless it will make a fantastic black Manhattan or a terrific boulevardier, but for now, this is a superb sipper for me, one to be savored slowly, neat and preferably with friends over long and winding conversations.

If you hang with it through a 2 oz. pour, further rewards emerge, such as syrupy flat cola, fig jam and dates. In other words, dark, dark and more darkness. If there's a cookie maker reading this, please combine those flavors to make a terrific adult cookie. I'll be your first customer.

In this market, $75 is a more-than-fair price for this delectable bottle.

BRAND NOTES

“The Keepers Release was born from our close collaboration with the Maker’s Mark warehouse team, the guardians of our barrels,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller, Maker’s Mark. "Their sensory experience of Maker's Mark is unlike anyone else’s — the aromatic oak at different times of the day, evolving tasting notes of our whisky as it ages over multiple seasons — which provided inspiration and helped us shape the flavors of this release."

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand's iconic bourbon.

The Keepers Release 2025 showcases rich, oak-forward aromas of seasoned wood, brûléed sugar, and tobacco, leading to a long, enveloping finish characterized by dried dark fruit and a lingering roasted sweetness.

NOSE: Toasted sweetness, stone fruit and cocoa

PALATE: Brown sugar, maple and spice

FINISH: Creamy dark chocolate.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.