Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series: The Keepers Release Virgin Oak Stave Finished (2025 Release), 54.6%

This is a blend of two bourbons; one finished with toasted American white oak staves for 5 weeks, and another finished with the same type staves for 9 weeks. The result is big on flavor: caramel, raspberry jam, oak, and vanilla Coke greet the nose, while hot spice, cherry pie, fresh mint, and a little chocolate please the palate. It is a bit hot, but water focuses the flavors, and all in all it’s a bold bourbon that pulls out delicate notes, too.