Maker’s Mark today announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series with the 2024 expression, “The Heart Release.” Inspired by the team that distills its whisky at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, The Heart Release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99 beginning in July 2024.

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. Whereas the first series emphasized the production process that impacts the flavor of Maker’s Mark, the second series will focus on the teams behind Maker’s Mark. The first release within this series will shine a light on the unique taste vision inspired by the distillery team – the makers of Maker’s Mark, who craft its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

What Makes This Unique?

The base of this release is Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. From there, 2 different blends were created using French Oak Staves. Per each batch, the staves were “cooked” uniquely. Regarding age, it’s to a minimum of 6 years and is done so “to taste”, meaning when its deemed ready.

For Batch 1, the cask strength base was finished for an additional 5 weeks with 10 specially cooked French Oak staves in Maker’s limestone cellar. For Batch 2, the process was repeated but finished for 9 weeks. Following, the 2 batches were blended together.

“Always staying true to my grandparents, our founders’ vision to deliver a full-flavored, soft red winter wheat bourbon with a smooth finish, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and Managing Director for Maker’s Mark. “This Wood Finishing Series release celebrates the entire distillery team, who share our vision and who have contributed their perspective to craft the final expression.” 

“It was a very unique, special experience to have the distillery team play a significant role in crafting the taste vision of The Heart Release,” said Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending, Maker’s Mark.  “Distillery team members all have different, yet very important jobs in creating our whisky; each person described aromas and flavors they experience throughout their day, which helped us shape the flavors of this release.” 

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