Maker’s Mark Keepers Release (2025)
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished with 10 Virgin Oak Staves
Company: Beam Suntory
Release Date: April 2025
Proof: 109.3
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Orange Peel
MSRP: $75 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of the 2025 Maker’s Mark Keepers Release opens with a nice candy shop aroma—strawberry wafer cookie, Pixy Stix, and grape saltwater taffy lead the way. There’s also a touch of vanilla wafer sweetness layered over light oak, and if you come back after a sip, a cherry cola note starts to pop through, adding a fun twist.
The mouthfeel on the palate is rich and oily, with the proof making itself known quickly. A wave of vanilla and light oak gives way to cherry Twizzler and cherry cola, which dominates the flavor profile in a way that’s both bold and enjoyable. It’s sweeter and fruitier than a typical Maker’s pour, and that deviation works in its favor.
The finish is long, soft, and fruity, carrying that red fruit and cherry cola sweetness through to the end. It’s not the most complex bourbon you’ll try, but it’s pleasant, approachable, and leaves you wanting another sip.
While Maker’s Mark hasn’t always been our favorite distillery, The Keepers Release stands out as one of their better offerings. It trades the soft wheat character for a sweeter, candy-forward profile that makes it fun and memorable. At an $75 MSRP that feels fair, this is a wheated bourbon worth picking up.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Strawberry wafer cookie.
Vanilla wafer and a bit of rubbing alcohol.
THE TASTE:
Rich oily mouthfeel.
Vanilla, light oak, and cherry Twizzler.
It doesn’t present like typical makers.
THE FINISH:
There isn’t much of a finish, just a lingering red fruit sweetness.
The flavor from the palate just continues, which isn’t a bad thing.
BUY OR PASS?
Makers isn’t my favorite distiller, but this one ranks pretty well. Light, sweet, and enjoyable.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Right off the bat, I got hit with a strong candy vibe—think Pixy Stix or Smarties. It’s bright, and sweet.
Then it shifts a bit toward grape salt-water taffy.
After I took a sip and came back to the nose, that cherry cola note from the palate started to show up too, which was a fun twist.
THE TASTE:
The proof makes itself known pretty quickly—it comes in hot. But then that cherry cola flavor kicks in and just takes over.
It sticks around the whole time, and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
If you like that flavor, you’ll enjoy this pour.
THE FINISH:
The finish is long and brings a soft, fruity sweetness that lingers nicely.
It’s not super complex or bold, but it’s pleasant and leaves a good impression.
BUY OR PASS?
This might be my favorite Maker’s Mark offering I’ve tried so far. Granted, that’s a small sample size, and I’ve never been huge on their usual wheated profile—but this one works.
It leans more into sweet, fruity fun than soft wheat, and I think that’s why I like it. Definitely worth a try if you’ve been unsure about Maker’s in the past.
