Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: North Carolina Edition

Dec 9

“A Taste of Home” – A Bottle with a Story, a State, and a Wolfpack Heart

There are bourbon reviews… and then there are the episodes that hit us somewhere deeper. This one landed at the intersection of nostalgia, state pride, and the unmistakable red wax of Maker’s Mark. When the distillery announced a North Carolina Edition of their Wood Finishing Series — crafted by NC State alum Dr. Blake Layfield — we knew we weren’t just tasting a bottle.

We were tasting a thank-you letter to the Old North State.

In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we uncork a bourbon inspired by the mountains, the coast, the culinary heritage, and the unmistakable Wolfpack energy that defines North Carolina. And yes — B gets emotional. Deeply emotional.

Watch the episode here:

👉 https://youtu.be/ZIHEQoPsTBs

Why This Bottle Matters — The NC Story Behind the Maker’s Mark Release

This isn’t just a special release.

It’s not a label swap.

It’s not a gimmick.

The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series – North Carolina Edition was personally introduced by Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield, who earned his PhD at NC State University. His message to the state and to bourbon drinkers set the tone for this release — heartfelt, grateful, and rooted in the soil of North Carolina.

Here’s part of what he wrote:

“As a proud graduate of NC State University, North Carolina has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where my passion for science and craftsmanship took root…”

That’s the kind of opening that makes every NC State alum stop scrolling.

He continues:

“I’m honored to introduce something deeply personal: the very first release in our new North Carolina Wood Finishing Series… inspired by the rich culture, flavors, and traditions of the state I once called home.”

And then the flavor profile:

“…bright and fresh, with notes of stone fruit, salted caramel and pecans, honey, and a hint of spice.”

This is a bourbon built with intention — with 10 custom virgin oak staves reflecting the coast, the farmland, the forests, the culinary legacy, and the diverse landscapes of North Carolina.

This is North Carolina in a glass.

Bottle Specs — Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: North Carolina Edition

Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Edition: Wood Finishing Series – North Carolina
ABV: 52.4% / 104.8 proof
Mash Bill: Corn, red winter wheat, malted barley
Finish: 10 custom-crafted virgin oak staves designed exclusively for the North Carolina release
Price: ~$60 depending on your ABC store (and how early you’re willing to line up)

Katie’s Corner — What You Should Taste in This North Carolina Tribute

No Tortured Bourbon episode is complete without Katie’s Corner, where she tells you what the bourbon should taste like — and then we see whether our palates agree, disagree, or need counseling.

Nose (Expected)

Stone fruit
Honey
Toasted oak
Salted pecans
Light caramel
Soft vanilla

Palate (Expected)

Bright stone fruit
Salted caramel
Toasted pecans
Warm honey sweetness
Subtle spice
Fresh, rich oak

Finish (Expected)

Long and warming
Toasted oak lingering
Honey and caramel
Light nuttiness
Gentle spice lift

If the nose is the Appalachian breeze, the palate is the Piedmont kitchen table, and the finish is the Carolina coast, then this release really does carry the state from end to end.

Why This Release Resonates — Especially with NC State Fans

Our own B is an NC State alum, which means this bottle didn’t just hit the palate — it hit the identity.

This is the kind of release that connects bourbon to place, to memory, and to the people who shaped us. Maker’s Mark didn’t just finish a whiskey in custom staves; they bottled a tribute from one Wolfpack alum to an entire state.

The emotion in this episode wasn’t scripted. It’s rare that a bourbon brings a sense of belonging, but this one carries that power.

Tortured Bourbon’s Official Rating Scale

Cock of the Walk
Hush Your Mouth
That Dog Will Hunt
Bless Your Heart
Piddlin’

Where did the Maker’s Mark North Carolina Edition land?

Watch the episode to see where we ranked it — and whether it lived up to the weight of its story.

Final Thoughts — A Bottle Worth Chasing

Limited releases often come with hype, but this one comes with heart. Whether you’re a Maker’s Mark enthusiast, a North Carolina bourbon hunter, an NC State diehard, or simply a whiskey lover who appreciates a meaningful backstory, the North Carolina Edition deserves a spot on your shelf.

This isn’t just a bourbon to taste.

It’s a bourbon to remember.

If you’ve tried it, drop your tasting notes and impressions in the comments — we love comparing palates (and arguing politely).