Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release Wood Finishing: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? The Keeper’s Release is a special, limited-edition bourbon from Maker’s Mark, part of their Wood Finishing Series. It’s a unique expression crafted by the Maker’s Mark distillery team, designed to showcase innovative wood finishing techniques.
2. What makes “Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release” significant? This release holds special meaning as it was conceived and perfected by the Maker’s Mark distillery team, who are the “keepers” of the brand’s legacy and future innovations. It represents their collective creativity and expertise in wood finishing.
3. What is the “Wood Finishing Series”? The Wood Finishing Series is an annual program by Maker’s Mark where they explore the impact of different wood stave types and finishing processes on their fully matured Maker’s Mark Cask Strength bourbon. Each release offers a unique flavor profile.
4. How is Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release made? Like other Wood Finishing Series expressions, it starts with fully matured Maker’s Mark Cask Strength bourbon. This bourbon is then finished in barrels containing a unique combination of specially selected wood staves, which are inserted into the barrels for an extended period in their limestone cellar.
5. What type of wood staves were used for Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? The specific stave profile for The Keeper’s Release was a combination of two types: * P2 Staves: Seared French Oak staves, known for bringing notes of vanilla and caramel. * WK Staves: Roasted French Oak staves, which contribute more dried fruit and spice notes. This combination was selected by the distillery team to achieve a specific flavor profile.
6. What is the proof of Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? The proof for The Keeper’s Release can vary slightly by batch, but it typically falls around 110.7 proof (55.35% ABV). It is bottled at cask strength.
7. What are the tasting notes for The Keeper’s Release? Expect a rich and complex profile. Common notes include: * Nose: Caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, baking spices, toasted oak. * Palate: Full-bodied, sweet caramel, dark chocolate, dried cherry, rich oak, subtle spice (cinnamon, nutmeg). * Finish: Long, warm, and lingering with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a pleasant oak char.
8. Is Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release a limited edition? Yes, like all expressions in the Wood Finishing Series, The Keeper’s Release is a limited annual release. Once the allocated bottles are gone, they are not replenished.
9. When was The Keeper’s Release initially launched? The Keeper’s Release was launched in the fall of 2023.
10. How does it differ from standard Maker’s Mark or Maker’s Mark 46? It differs significantly. Standard Maker’s Mark is 90 proof. Maker’s Mark 46 uses ten seared French oak staves for its finishing process. The Keeper’s Release uses a different combination of staves (P2 and WK) and is bottled at a much higher cask strength, resulting in a more intense and unique flavor profile.
11. What is the bottle size for The Keeper’s Release? It is typically released in a standard 750ml bottle.
12. What is the typical retail price for The Keeper’s Release? The suggested retail price for The Keeper’s Release was around $70-$80 USD. However, due to its limited nature, prices can vary and may be higher on the secondary market.
13. Where can I purchase The Keeper’s Release? It was available at select liquor retailers and online distributors. Given its limited nature, finding it now might be challenging, and it may require checking specialty stores or online marketplaces.
14. How should I best enjoy Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? Due to its complexity and higher proof, it’s often recommended to enjoy it neat or with a single large ice cube (on the rocks) to slowly open up the flavors. A few drops of water can also help unlock different nuances.
15. Is there a specific “Keeper” it’s named after? While “The Keeper” is singular, it refers collectively to the Maker’s Mark distillery team – the dedicated individuals who uphold the brand’s traditions and innovate for its future.
16. Does Maker’s Mark plan to release more “Keeper’s Release” editions in the future? The “Keeper’s Release” was a specific 2023 edition within the broader Wood Finishing Series. Maker’s Mark continues to release new expressions annually as part of the Wood Finishing Series, each with a unique stave profile and name, but not necessarily under the “Keeper’s Release” moniker specifically.
17. What’s the age statement for Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? Maker’s Mark does not typically carry an age statement. Instead, they bottle their bourbon when it is “fully matured,” which is determined by taste rather than a set number of years.
18. Can I visit the distillery to taste or purchase it? While the Maker’s Mark distillery offers tours and tastings, special limited releases like The Keeper’s Release are often sold out quickly. It’s best to check with the distillery directly for availability before visiting, though it’s unlikely to still be available for purchase on-site.
19. Is this bourbon filtered? Maker’s Mark is known for its chill filtration process, which removes fatty acids and esters to prevent cloudiness. While their Wood Finishing Series expressions are still filtered, the focus is on preserving the unique flavor profiles developed during the finishing process.
20. What food pairings would go well with Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release? Its rich and complex profile pairs well with: * Desserts: Dark chocolate, crème brûlée, pecan pie. * Savory: Smoked meats, aged cheeses, rich stews. * Nuts: Roasted almonds or walnuts.
Maker’s Mark The Keeper’s Release Wood Finishing
Release: 2 of 5
The Keepers Release celebrates those who craft our handmade bourbon at Star Hill Farm. It is inspired by the people who oversee the maturation of our whisky, the true “Keepers” of Maker’s Mark.
This bold expression features hints of seasoned oak and brûlée sugar, offering a long and enveloping mouthfeel with notes of dried fruit and roasted sweetness.
750ml
