Maker's Mark RC6 2019 Bourbon Whiskey (750mL)

2019 Limited Edition | Wood Finishing Series | Stave Profile RC6 | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky | Cask Strength | 108.2 Proof | 54.1% ABV | Wheated Bourbon

Maker's Mark RC6 2019 Bourbon Whiskey is an exceptional limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon showcasing the innovative wood-finishing techniques, traditional craftsmanship, and celebrated wheated bourbon heritage of the legendary Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.

Released in September 2019, Maker's Mark RC6 holds a particularly significant place in American whiskey history as the first nationally available limited-edition bourbon from Maker's Mark and the inaugural expression in the distillery's acclaimed Wood Finishing Series.

Crafted from fully matured Maker's Mark bourbon, this remarkable expression undergoes an innovative secondary finishing process using 10 proprietary RC6 American oak staves, specifically developed to enhance the bourbon's natural fruit character, sweetness, and warming baking spices.

The specially selected American oak is seasoned outdoors for 18 months before undergoing a precise convection-oven toasting process, creating a distinctive flavor profile that complements the signature softness of Maker's Mark's red winter wheat mash bill.

Bottled at 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV), this exceptional cask-strength bourbon delivers rich layers of ripe red apples, caramel, vanilla bean, raspberry, toasted oak, cinnamon, gingerbread, and warming baking spices.

With only 255 barrels produced, its historic 2019 release, distinctive RC6 stave finishing, and rich, fruit-forward character, Maker's Mark RC6 is an outstanding addition to any serious bourbon collection.

Product Details

Brand: Maker's Mark

Producer: Maker's Mark Distillery

Parent Company: Suntory Global Spirits

Collection: Wood Finishing Series

Release: 2019 Limited Edition

Stave Profile: RC6

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

Origin: Loretto, Kentucky, USA

Age Statement: No Age Statement

Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley

Initial Maturation: New Charred American Oak Barrels

Secondary Maturation: Finished with 10 Proprietary RC6 American Oak Staves

Oak Preparation: Seasoned Outdoors for 18 Months & Convection-Oven Toasted

Bottling: Cask Strength

ABV: 54.1%

Bottling Proof: 108.2

Bottle Size: 750mL

Production: 255 Barrels

Flavor Profile: Ripe Red Apple, Raspberry, Caramel, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Gingerbread & Toasted Oak

Maker's Mark — A Legacy of Kentucky Bourbon Excellence

Founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., Maker's Mark Distillery has become one of the most celebrated names in American bourbon, renowned for its distinctive wheated mash bill, handcrafted production techniques, and iconic red wax-sealed bottles.

Located at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark was established with a simple philosophy: create a bourbon that is exceptionally smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable without the harsh bitterness traditionally associated with some rye-forward whiskeys.

Rather than using rye as the secondary grain, Maker's Mark incorporates soft red winter wheat, producing a naturally sweeter, rounder, and more approachable bourbon.

The distillery has continued to innovate while preserving its traditional production methods, introducing acclaimed expressions such as Maker's Mark 46, Cask Strength, Private Selection, and the Wood Finishing Series.

Maker's Mark RC6 2019 represents an important milestone in the distillery's history, demonstrating how carefully developed oak finishing techniques can enhance the character of its signature wheated bourbon.

The Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series

The Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series was introduced in 2019 to explore how different oak stave profiles could influence the aroma, flavor, and texture of fully matured Kentucky bourbon.

Unlike traditional barrel finishing that relies on previously used wine or spirits casks, Maker's Mark developed a distinctive approach involving specially prepared American oak staves placed directly inside barrels containing mature bourbon.

Each release was designed to highlight specific characteristics already present in Maker's Mark's signature whiskey.

The inaugural expression, Stave Profile RC6, focused on amplifying ripe fruit flavors while maintaining a harmonious balance of sweetness and baking spice.

The series subsequently introduced other celebrated limited releases, including:

• 2019 RC6: Ripe red fruits, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and baking spices.

• 2020 SE4xPR5: Rich caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and layered wood spice.

• 2021 FAE-01: Rich dark fruit, tobacco, oak, and warming spice.

• 2021 FAE-02: Bright fruit, toasted oak, and complex baking spices.

• 2022 BRT-01 & BRT-02: Expressions exploring the influence of different barrel maturation environments.

Together, these releases demonstrate the remarkable versatility of Maker's Mark bourbon and the impact of carefully controlled wood-finishing techniques.

As the expression that launched the series, RC6 2019 remains particularly significant to collectors and enthusiasts.

The Art of RC6 Oak Stave Finishing

The defining characteristic of Maker's Mark RC6 2019 Bourbon is its innovative finishing process using specially developed American oak staves.

Created through a two-year collaboration between Maker's Mark and the Independent Stave Company, the RC6 stave profile was engineered to enhance the natural fruit and spice characteristics of the distillery's wheated bourbon.

The process begins with American oak that is exposed to outdoor weather conditions for approximately 18 months.

This extended seasoning period allows the wood to undergo gradual natural changes before it is toasted in a convection oven.

The carefully prepared oak is then fashioned into proprietary RC6 finishing staves.

Ten RC6 staves are placed into a secondary barrel containing fully matured, cask-strength Maker's Mark bourbon.

The barrels are rested in the distillery's limestone bourbon cellar, allowing the whiskey to interact with the specially toasted oak and develop additional aromatic complexity.

Ripe Fruit & Orchard Character

The RC6 stave profile enhances fruit-forward notes reminiscent of red apple, raspberry, apricot, and ripe banana.

Caramel & Vanilla Sweetness

Maker's Mark's traditional wheated mash bill contributes a foundation of creamy vanilla, caramelized sugar, and buttery toffee.

Cinnamon & Baking Spices

The specially toasted oak introduces warming notes of cinnamon, clove, gingerbread, and delicate peppery spice.

Toasted Oak & Rich Texture

The additional wood interaction contributes structure, depth, and a lingering oak character that complements the bourbon's natural sweetness.

The result is a beautifully layered bourbon that preserves the approachable character of traditional Maker's Mark while delivering greater intensity and complexity.

What Makes Maker's Mark RC6 2019 Special?

Maker's Mark RC6 2019 stands apart from traditional Kentucky bourbon because of its historic release, innovative stave-finishing process, and limited production.

As the first nationally distributed limited-edition Maker's Mark bourbon, RC6 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the distillery's approach to whiskey innovation.

Its distinctive RC6 finishing staves were developed specifically to amplify the fruit and baking spice characteristics naturally present in Maker's Mark bourbon.

The combination of mature wheated bourbon and carefully toasted American oak creates a rich, expressive flavor profile featuring red fruits, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and seasoned oak.

Bottled at 108.2 proof, the whiskey offers a more concentrated drinking experience than standard Maker's Mark while retaining the smooth, rounded texture associated with its red winter wheat mash bill.

The release was limited to just 255 barrels, making it an especially appealing expression for collectors seeking historically significant Maker's Mark bottlings.

Its position as the inaugural Wood Finishing Series release adds another dimension of collectibility.

For enthusiasts who appreciate innovative bourbon production and distinctive oak maturation techniques, Maker's Mark RC6 represents an exceptional example of American whiskey craftsmanship.

Why You'll Love It

• Historic 2019 Maker's Mark limited-edition release

• First nationally available limited-edition Maker's Mark bourbon

• Inaugural expression in the Wood Finishing Series

• Distinctive proprietary RC6 oak stave profile

• Limited production of only 255 barrels

• Crafted at the legendary Maker's Mark Distillery

• Traditional wheated bourbon mash bill

• Features soft red winter wheat instead of rye

• Finished using 10 specially toasted American oak staves

• Oak seasoned outdoors for 18 months before toasting

• Bottled at cask strength

• Bold 108.2-proof presentation

• Rich ripe apple and raspberry flavors

• Creamy caramel and vanilla bean sweetness

• Warming cinnamon, gingerbread, and baking spices

• Balanced toasted oak and fruit-forward complexity

• Full-bodied yet remarkably approachable character

• Highly desirable legacy Wood Finishing Series release

• Outstanding addition to a premium bourbon collection

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a Glencairn glass at room temperature to appreciate its vibrant red-fruit aromas, rich caramel sweetness, and distinctive RC6 oak spice.

With Water: Add a few drops of still water to soften its 108.2-proof intensity and reveal additional layers of vanilla, ripe apple, raspberry, and toasted oak.

On the Rocks: Enjoy over a large ice cube for a slightly chilled experience that gradually opens the bourbon's rich fruit character and creamy texture.

Comparative Tasting: Sample alongside Maker's Mark Cask Strength, Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength, or later Wood Finishing Series releases to explore how different oak stave profiles influence bourbon flavor.

Special Occasions: Enjoy slowly to appreciate the complexity of this historic inaugural release.

Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, smoked pork, roasted pecans, aged cheddar, apple pie, cinnamon desserts, dark chocolate, and caramel pastries.