Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release Stave Profile RC6 is a landmark bottle, the very first nationally available limited release in Maker's Mark's history and the inaugural entry in what has become the brand's celebrated Wood Finishing Series. Released in 2019, it set the template for everything that followed, taking fully matured, cask strength Maker's Mark and finishing it in barrels fitted with ten proprietary toasted wood staves, then resting those barrels in the distillery's limestone cellar so the bourbon could draw out new layers of flavor. The RC6 stave profile was developed over two years in partnership with barrel producer Independent Stave Company, using American oak that was seasoned outdoors for an extended eighteen months before being toasted in a convection oven. These staves were chosen to amplify notes of ripe fruit balanced with layers of baking spice, a profile inspired by the brand's proprietary yeast strain. Built on the classic Maker's wheated mashbill of 70 percent corn, 16 percent red winter wheat, and 14 percent malted barley, and bottled non chill filtered at a cask strength of 108.2 proof, RC6 retains the soft, sweet Maker's Mark backbone while adding bolder spice and brighter fruit. Expect a nose of baking spices, cinnamon, gingerbread, soft apricot, and red apple, a palate of red apple, raspberry, caramel, and toffee with firm baking spice, and a finish that ends on chocolate covered banana. With only 255 barrels ever produced and its place in history as the bottle that launched the series, RC6 is a genuine collector's piece. Enjoy it neat or with a few drops of water.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Maker's Mark, Loretto, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Beam Suntory |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (wheated) |
| Expression |
Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release, Stave Profile RC6 (inaugural release) |
| Mashbill |
70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley |
| Finishing |
10 Virgin Toasted American Oak Staves (Stave Profile RC6; 18 month seasoned, convection toasted) |
| Maturation |
Fully matured cask strength Maker's Mark, stave finished, rested in limestone cellar; non chill filtered |
| Production |
255 barrels |
| ABV |
54.1% |
| Proof |
108.2 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Amber, a slightly deeper hue than standard Maker's Mark.
Nose: Baking spices, cinnamon, gingerbread, soft apricot, red apple, and a touch of ripe banana.
Palate: Bold and fruit forward, with red apple, raspberry, tannic baking spice, mellowing into caramel and toffee.
Finish: Sweet and warming, ending on chocolate covered banana.
FAQ
Why is RC6 significant? It was Maker's Mark's first ever nationally available limited release and the inaugural bottle in the Wood Finishing Series, setting the stage for all the releases that followed.
What is Stave Profile RC6? It refers to the ten proprietary American oak staves used to finish the bourbon, developed over two years with Independent Stave Company, seasoned outdoors for eighteen months and then convection toasted to amplify fruit and baking spice.
What proof is it? It is bottled non chill filtered at cask strength, 108.2 proof, or 54.1 percent ABV.
How limited is it? Only 255 barrels were produced, making it a scarce and collectible bottle, especially as the first in the series.
What is the mashbill? It uses Maker's classic wheated recipe of 70 percent corn, 16 percent red winter wheat, and 14 percent malted barley.
Where can I buy Maker's Mark RC6 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
