Bourbon enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as Maker’s Mark introduces The Heart Release, the latest addition to their Wood Finishing Series. Set to hit shelves in July 2024, this new release continues the brand’s tradition of using innovative wood stave-finishing techniques to create distinctive bourbon expressions.
Image credit: Maker's Mark
A Legacy of Innovation
The Wood Finishing Series originally launched to highlight the various production processes that influence the flavor profile of Maker’s Mark bourbon. However, the new series shifts focus to the people behind the whiskey, celebrating the unique taste visions of the distillery team at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.
According to Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending, the Heart Release reflects the collective experience and sensory perceptions of the distillery team. "We partnered with the team that works in the distillery and asked them what they taste, feel, and experience doing their job,” she explained. This approach allowed them to craft a bourbon that embodies the personal impact of the makers on the final product.
The Heart Release: A Detailed Process
The Heart Release starts with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength as its base. From there, the bourbon undergoes a unique finishing process involving two types of French Oak staves. Each type of stave is "cooked" differently to bring out specific flavors.
Batch 1: The cask strength bourbon is finished for five weeks with ten specially cooked French Oak staves in Maker’s limestone cellar.
Batch 2: The same process is repeated, but with the bourbon finishing for nine weeks.
After aging, the two batches are blended together to create the final product. This meticulous process ensures a minimum aging period of six years, with the whiskey aged “to taste,” meaning it’s deemed ready based on flavor rather than a fixed timeline.
Tasting Notes and Availability
The Heart Release offers a rich and complex flavor profile, showcasing notes of balsa wood, rum raisin, vanilla, milk chocolate, toasted nuts, and cinnamon. A distinct maple note adds a subtle sweetness, making this bourbon stand out from previous Wood Finishing Series releases.
Rob Samuels, Managing Director for Maker’s Mark and an eighth-generation whisky maker, emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation while honoring the vision of his grandparents, the founders of Maker’s Mark. "This release celebrates the entire distillery team, who share our vision and who have contributed their perspective to craft the final expression,” he said.
Where to Find It
The Heart Release will be available at U.S. retailers starting July 1, 2024, with a suggested retail price of $74.99. For those eager to explore more, the entire collection, including past Wood Finishing Series releases, can be found on websites like ReserveBar.
Conclusion
Maker’s Mark continues to push the boundaries of bourbon-making with The Heart Release, a testament to the skill and creativity of the distillery team. This new expression not only pays homage to the brand’s storied past but also looks forward to a future of flavor-driven innovation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Maker’s Mark, this limited-edition bourbon promises a unique tasting experience that reflects the heart and soul of its makers.
Shop Makers Mark Whiskeys
About Maker’s Mark
Maker's Mark is a distinguished American bourbon whiskey brand that has etched its name in the annals of whiskey history through its commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and a uniquely handcrafted approach. Founded in the heart of Loretto, Kentucky, in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., Maker's Mark has become a cherished favorite among whiskey aficionados worldwide, celebrated for its distinct characteristics and unparalleled quality.
Central to the brand's identity is its innovative approach to bourbon production. Maker's Mark utilizes a distinctive mashbill recipe that sets it apart from conventional bourbons. Instead of incorporating rye, Maker's Mark employs red winter wheat in its grain mixture, contributing to a remarkably balanced and smooth flavor profile that resonates with a broad spectrum of palates.
The artisanal ethos of Maker's Mark is embedded in its every facet. Bill Samuels Sr.'s vision extended to crafting a bourbon that was not only exceptional in taste but also a masterpiece of presentation. The brand's iconic bottle design, distinguished by its hand-dipped red wax seal, serves as a testament to its dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A cornerstone of Maker's Mark's production process lies in its aging and maturation methods. The brand carefully ages its bourbon in charred American white oak barrels, allowing time to infuse complexity and character into the spirit. The utilization of a "rotating barrel" technique ensures consistency in flavor and quality across each batch.
At the core of Maker's Mark's identity is its signature bottling strength. The bourbon is famously bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof), a choice that deviates from the higher proofs often associated with bourbons. This deliberate decision contributes to the brand's hallmark approachability and smoothness.
With every sip of Maker's Mark, enthusiasts are treated to a flavor journey that is harmonious and memorable. The bourbon's flavor profile boasts notes of rich caramel, velvety vanilla, delicate baking spices, and subtle hints of oak, culminating in a well-rounded and flavorful experience.
While the classic Maker's Mark remains a cherished favorite, the brand has ventured into diverse expressions and limited editions, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into unique aging techniques and novel flavor dimensions.
Maker's Mark transcends its role as a beverage, embodying a cultural symbol that reflects convivial gatherings, Southern hospitality, and a deep-rooted sense of tradition. The Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto invites visitors to delve into its rich heritage and gain insights into the intricate art of whiskey-making, showcasing its dedication to education and immersion.
Beyond its commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon, Maker's Mark also embraces sustainability efforts, underscoring its dedication to environmental conservation and responsible ingredient sourcing.
In essence, Maker's Mark stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of American bourbon. Its fusion of time-honored tradition, innovative craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality encapsulates the spirit of this beloved brand, inviting enthusiasts to savor the essence of Maker's Mark in each finely crafted bottle.