The third of 5 deliberate whiskeys in Maker’s Mark’s Restricted Launch Wooden Ending Sequence has arrived. The Stewards Launch follows 2025’s The Keepers Launch and 2024’s The Coronary heart Launch, this time honoring the “stewards” of the distillery, which appears to cowl everybody from high quality management to advertising.
Curiously, the listed stave ending recipe for this whiskey is similar one which was used final 12 months, with 10 virgin toasted American staves dropped into the barrel for its closing months. (The precise kinds of American oak staves from Maker’s Mark’s arsenal aren’t disclosed on both bottle.) I’ve inquired as to the distinction between the staves used on this and the Keepers Launch, and can report again as soon as I hear.
Please observe, per Maker’s: “The Stewards Launch will likely be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% abv/ 109.6 proof, and the opposite at 56.65% abv / 113.3 proof.” That’s fairly odd contemplating The Keepers Launch was bottled at 109.2 proof. Is that this leftovers from final 12 months? Anyhoo: I acquired the 113.3 proof model for evaluation.
Let’s see how the Stewards fare (face to face vs. these darn Keepers).
Maker’s Mark The Stewards Launch 2026 Restricted Launch Overview
Little doubt, facet by facet, these are totally different whiskeys. The Stewards Launch showcases a bolder, woodier nostril, virtually evergreen in building, tinged with menthol and eucalyptus notes, plus a stony, virtually gravelly edge. (I famous eucalyptus in The Keepers launch, however this time it’s outsized.) Time in glass evokes a contact of barnyard, virtually sweaty. In distinction, the Keepers Launch is sort of a bit sweeter and spicier, with this 2026 version a significantly extra savory — even closed-off — fragrant expertise.
On the palate The Stewards Launch is wholly agreeable although positively earthy-savory, with overtones of walnut shells, hemp rope, and anise dominating the expertise. It’s maybe in contrast to every other Maker’s Mark whiskey I’ve ever encountered, pouring on notes of moist asphalt, gunpowder, and extra of that licorice-fueled anise character.
It is a drying whiskey with a brief, earthy conclusion, and although it could function a well-known recipe, it comes out the opposite finish a very totally different animal. I assume I don’t must inform you the place my coronary heart lies.
113.3 proof as tasted. Reviewed: Batch 3 of 5.
B+ / $75 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Maker’s Mark The Stewards Launch 2026 Restricted Launch
USD75
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