Beam Suntory’s bourbon whiskey brand Maker’s Mark has launched a limited-edition bourbon, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release: Stave Profile RC6.

The new cask strength expression has been finished with proprietary wood staves, known as Stave Profile RC6, to enhance distinctive characteristics present in Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

Stave Profile RC6 was developed in partnership with barrel producer Independent Stave Company, using American Oak initially exposed to the outdoors for an extended period of 18 months before being toasted in a convection oven.

Maker’s Mark private select director Jane Bowie said: “We have been experimenting with wood finishing staves and techniques since we first released Maker’s Mark 46 in 2010 and it never ceases to amaze me how much natural flavour we can extract from just ten wood staves interacting with our bourbon over a period of time.

“Stave finishes allow us to innovate with an already delicious product in a purposeful fashion, exploring different wood types, seasoning periods, cook times and heat levels until we achieve the exact flavour vision we have in mind.”

The company have confirmed the production of just 255 barrels of limited edition bourbon, with an expression of 108.2 proof.

The barrels were stored in the Maker’s Mark limestone bourbon cellar, to allow cask strength bourbon to interact with the staves for creation of a unique flavour.

The special edition bourbon is said to be the first in the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series. It will join other expressions in the series that include Maker’s Mark 46 and Maker’s Mark Private Select.

Going further, the company intends to add more limited-edition bourbons to the series.

From this month, the bourbon will be available in a 750ml bottle at select retail locations for a suggested price of $59.99.