Loretto, Kentucky’s iconic Maker’s Mark distillery has unveiled its groundbreaking first-ever nationally distributed limited-edition bourbon: the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release Stave Profile RC6. This cask-strength wheated bourbon, bottled around 108-110 proof, takes fully matured Maker’s Mark and finishes it with 10 proprietary “RC6” wood staves—crafted from virgin American oak seasoned outdoors for 18 months and convection-toasted—for an amplified burst of ripe fruit notes balanced with classic baking spices, vanilla, and caramel sweetness. Drawing inspiration from the distillery’s signature yeast strain, this innovative stave-finishing technique (pioneered since Maker’s Mark 46 in 2010) extracts bold, natural flavors without overpowering the smooth, approachable profile whiskey lovers adore.
Kicking off the annual Wood Finishing Series—which builds on favorites like Maker’s Mark 46 and Private Select—this small-batch gem from just 255 barrels developed over two years in collaboration with Independent Stave Company. “It’s amazing how much flavor ten staves can unlock,” says Jane Bowie, Maker’s Mark Director of Private Select. “We’re thrilled to share this fruity, spicy twist on our classic wheated bourbon with fans nationwide.” Available starting late September 2019 at select retailers with a suggested price of $59.99 per 750mL bottle (while supplies last), this collectible release spotlights Maker’s Mark’s playful innovation in wood finishing. Dive deeper into the red-wax magic at makersmark.com.
About Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Nestled in the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky, on the picturesque Star Hill Farm, Maker’s Mark stands out as one of the most iconic wheated bourbons in the world—with its signature hand-dipped red wax seal that’s as fun to crack open as it is to sip! Founded in 1953 by T. William “Bill” Samuels Sr., a sixth-generation distiller tired of the harsh, rye-heavy family recipe, Bill famously burned the old 170-year-old formula (oops, along with some curtains) and started fresh. He swapped rye for soft red winter wheat, creating a smoother, sweeter bourbon that’s never bitter or sharp—perfect for easy drinking neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Fun fact: Bill tested mash bills by baking bread loaves with different grains, picking the wheated one as the tastiest!
Bill’s wife, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels, was the creative genius behind the brand’s legendary look—she named it “Maker’s Mark” after her love of English pewter hallmarks, designed the squarish bottle and label, and invented the messy-but-magical red wax dip that makes every bottle unique. Together, they turned a shuttered old distillery into a National Historic Landmark and kickstarted bourbon tourism, proving premium wheated bourbon could be a game-changer. Today, Maker’s Mark is still handcrafted the same way—rotated barrels, aged to taste, and bottled at 90 proof—for those vanilla, caramel, and fruity notes whiskey lovers crave. Grab a bottle and toast to the Samuels family’s rebellious spirit; visit makersmark.com for tours and more!
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