Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series RC6 is where the whole series began. Released in 2019 as the first limited edition in what has become an annual program, it set the template that every later release has followed: take fully matured cask strength Maker's Mark and finish it in a secondary barrel fitted with 10 custom staves, each profile developed to pull specific flavors forward. The RC6 stave profile uses virgin toasted American oak, seasoned outdoors and toasted rather than charred, and the goal here was amplification rather than transformation. The label states it plainly: barrel finished for amplified notes of fruit, balancing sweet and spice. The base whisky is classic Maker's Mark, made at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky from a wheated mash of corn, soft red winter wheat and malted barley, which gives it a rounder, softer character than rye heavy bourbons. Bottled at cask strength of 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV), RC6 pours a deep amber with copper highlights. The nose opens with caramel, vanilla and toasted oak alongside baked stone fruit and warm baking spice. The palate is rich and rounded, layering caramel, dark fruit, brown sugar and vanilla with cinnamon and a gentle oak grip, and the added strength carries it all without heat or harshness. The finish is long and warming, closing with toasted oak, spice and lingering sweetness. A few drops of water open up more fruit. Finished by hand with the brand's signature red wax dip, this was a limited release and has been off shelves for years, making it an essential piece for anyone collecting the Wood Finishing Series from the start.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
54.1% |
| Proof |
108.2 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, Wheated |
| Release |
Wood Finishing Series 2019, first release |
| Stave Profile |
RC6 |
| Stave Details |
10 virgin toasted American oak staves |
| Distillery |
Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky |
| Mashbill |
Corn, soft red winter wheat and malted barley |
| Strength |
Cask strength |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with copper highlights.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla and toasted oak with baked stone fruit and warm baking spice.
Palate: Rich and rounded, with caramel, dark fruit, brown sugar and vanilla over cinnamon and gentle oak.
Finish: Long and warming, with toasted oak, spice and lingering sweetness.
FAQ
What is the Wood Finishing Series?
It is Maker's Mark's annual limited edition program, in which fully matured cask strength bourbon is finished in a secondary barrel fitted with 10 custom staves chosen to amplify specific flavors.
What does RC6 mean?
RC6 is the stave profile code printed on the label, identifying the specific virgin toasted American oak staves used for this finish.
Why is the 2019 release significant?
RC6 was the first release in the Wood Finishing Series, the bottle that launched the program in 2019.
What proof is RC6?
It is bottled at cask strength, 54.1% ABV, which is 108.2 proof.
Is this a flavored whiskey?
No. The staves add flavor through wood extraction during a secondary barrel finish, with nothing added to the whisky.
Where can I buy Maker's Mark RC6 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
