Maker's Mark Holiday Edition 2026 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

Maker's Mark Holiday Edition 2026 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey pairs the classic bourbon's smooth, wheated character with festive, vintage-inspired packaging. A green holiday label featuring red, white, and green postage stamp illustrations gives this seasonal limited edition a distinctive presentation for gifting, collecting, or sharing at holiday gatherings. The signature hand-dipped red wax seal adds an unmistakable finishing touch.

Crafted at Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, this bourbon uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye for a mellow profile with gentle spice. Maturation in charred American oak barrels develops rich notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and bright fruit. Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), it offers a balanced palate and a smooth, creamy finish.

Key Features

• Holiday presentation: Collectible, vintage-inspired postage stamp artwork celebrates seasonal traditions and gift-giving.
• Classic Maker's Mark: The familiar Kentucky straight bourbon in special holiday packaging, not a different bourbon recipe.
• Wheated recipe: Soft red winter wheat replaces rye, contributing mellow sweetness and gentle spice.
• Oak-aged character: Matured in charred American oak barrels for richness, color, and classic bourbon flavor.
• Hand-dipped red wax: The brand's handcrafted seal gives each bottle a distinctive finish.
• Kentucky heritage: Produced in Loretto, with the Samuels family's modern Maker's Mark bourbon-making legacy dating to 1953.
• Bottle size: 750mL.
• Strength: 90 proof / 45% ABV.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Rich golden amber with warm copper highlights.
• Nose: Sweet oak, vanilla, bright fruit, soft wheat, and delicate caramel.
• Palate: Rich caramel and creamy vanilla meet bright cherry, toasted oak, and gentle baking spice.
• Finish: Smooth, creamy, and pleasantly warming, with lingering vanilla, sweet oak, and soft spice.

How to Enjoy

Serve neat in a bourbon tasting glass to explore the vanilla aromas and balanced oak sweetness, or pour over one large ice cube for a cooler, mellower sip. Its classic flavor profile also works well in these bourbon cocktails:

• Old Fashioned: Combine 2 oz bourbon, ¼ oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes aromatic bitters. Stir over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
• Holiday Bourbon Sour: Shake 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz cranberry syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled glass.
• Bourbon & Ginger: Combine 2 oz bourbon with 4 oz chilled ginger ale over ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.
• Hot Apple Bourbon Cider: Add 1½ oz bourbon to 5 oz warm apple cider and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Food pairings: Serve alongside glazed ham, roasted turkey, smoked meats, or aged cheddar. For dessert, try pecan pie, gingerbread, dark chocolate, or caramel desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Holiday Edition different from regular Maker's Mark?
It contains classic Maker's Mark bourbon in special seasonal packaging. The holiday artwork and signature red wax seal distinguish the presentation.

What proof and bottle size is this edition?
This is a 750mL bottle at 90 proof (45% ABV).

What does it taste like?
Expect vanilla, caramel, sweet oak, bright fruit, and gentle baking spice, followed by a smooth, creamy finish.

Is it a good holiday gift?
The festive limited-edition label makes it a thoughtful choice for adult bourbon enthusiasts and collectors who enjoy the classic Maker's Mark profile.