Maker’s Mark 2025 “The Keeper’s Release” Review + Bourbon Aged by Climate?

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton dives into one of the boldest Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series bottles to date — the 2025 Keeper’s Release, packed with ten toasted American oak staves. Is it a worthy successor to The Heart, or an over-oaked detour? Also in the mix: a fascinating experiment in climate-aged bourbon from Milam & Greene, a tribute to military valor via Four Branches Bourbon, and a breakdown of the bold new Little Book Chapter 9 from Jim Beam. As always, expect strong pours, hot takes, and a splash of comfort in the middle of a chaotic world. 0:00 Intro & Reflections on Uncertain Times 1:28 Maker’s Mark ”Greats of the Gate” 10-Year Lexington Bottle 5:16 Climate-Aged Bourbon? Milam & Greene’s Bold Experiment 8:48 Four Branches Bourbon Goes National 11:12 Little Book Chapter 9: None for Granted 13:31 Byte-Sized Review: Maker’s Mark 2025 “The Keeper’s Release” 19:12 Byte Club Shoutout + Wrap-Up