Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series Review: The Heart Release vs The Keepers Release
Exploring the Best of Kentucky Bourbon – A Tortured Bourbon Tasting
Welcome back to Tortured Bourbon, where we venture deep into the world of bourbon so you don’t have to—though honestly, we hope you’ll pour yourself a glass and join us. In this episode, we’re taking a close look at two exciting expressions from one of Kentucky bourbon’s most beloved brands: the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series.
We’re tasting and reviewing the 2024 “The Heart Release” and the 2025 “The Keepers Release,” both special additions to Maker’s Mark’s growing legacy of bourbon innovation. If you’re curious about how classic Kentucky bourbon gets transformed by custom wood finishing, you’re in the right place.
What Is the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series?
The Wood Finishing Series is Maker’s Mark’s playground for experimentation. Instead of changing their iconic wheated bourbon mash bill—70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley—they use specially selected oak staves to finish the aging process. This brings out unique flavor profiles while maintaining the soul of their Maker’s Mark whisky.
Think of it like sending bourbon to finishing school. It emerges the same core spirit, but with new depths, complexities, and surprises.
Tasting the Heart Release (2024)
The Heart Release honors the Maker’s Mark distillery team—the very heart of their bourbon operation.
Proof: 111.7
MSRP: $75
Stave Profile: Finished with 10 virgin French oak staves—half the batch for 5 weeks, half for 9 weeks, then blended.
Official Tasting Notes
Aroma: Toasted sweetness, stone fruit, cocoa
Taste: Brown sugar, maple, spice
Finish: Creamy dark chocolate, long, silky
It’s basically a dessert in a glass—a rich, sweet, elevated Kentucky bourbon that’s perfect for fans of softer, pastry-like profiles. During our tasting, Heather loved how it danced between chocolate and spice, while B kept comparing it to fancy fudge. (Because of course he did.)
Tasting the Keepers Release (2025)
The Keepers Release pays tribute to the Maker’s Mark warehouse team, who rotate barrels to ensure even aging—a crucial but often overlooked part of Kentucky bourbon production.
Proof: 109.2
MSRP: $75
Stave Profile: Finished with two types of toasted American oak staves—split between 5 weeks and 9 weeks, then blended.
Official Tasting Notes
Aroma: Seasoned oak, brûlée sugar, tobacco
Taste: Bold toasted oak, subtle sweetness
Finish: Long, with dried dark fruit and roasted notes
This is the bourbon for folks who want something a bit darker and more robust. B noted the dry, tobacco-rich finish, while Heather was all about the hint of brûlée sugar cutting through the oak.
Bourbon Tasting: Heart vs Keepers
t’s fascinating how Maker’s Mark whisky—built on the same mash bill—can evolve into two totally different profiles just by using varied finishing staves.
The Heart Release is like bourbon dessert: rich, sweet, chocolatey, indulgent.
The Keepers Release is bolder, oakier, with a deeper roasted vibe.
Both are absolutely worth trying for anyone who appreciates Kentucky bourbon. They show exactly why finishing projects like this have become so popular in the bourbon world.
Watch Our Full Bourbon Review & Tasting
Want to see our live reactions? Watch the full tasting on our YouTube channel:
➡️ Watch the episode on YouTube
There, you’ll get all of Heather and B’s unscripted banter, plus their personal rankings of both Maker’s Mark releases.
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Have you tried these Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series releases? Drop a comment and tell us which you preferred—The Heart Release or The Keepers Release.
Until next pour… cheers, y’all! 🥃
