This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re breaking down a packed lineup of whiskey and gaming news before diving into a Byte-Sized Review of the new Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release.

Old Forester announced its 2026 President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye, Barrell Craft Spirits revealed a limited Toasted Seagrass release, and Penelope is flipping its usual playbook with a new Classic Series bourbon and rye.

On the gaming side, Nintendo Direct brought major Switch 2 news, including a new Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer and a surprise Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake announcement. We also touch on Xbox’s 25th Anniversary console, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and PlayStation’s latest State of Play.

Then it’s time for the main event: Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release, the 2026 entry in the Wood Finishing Series.

This release brings notes of maple syrup, vanilla, waffle cone, toasted pie crust, honeycomb, peach cobbler, and salted caramel — but does it live up to the best Maker’s Mark limited releases?

🥃 Topics covered:

Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye

Barrell Craft Spirits Toasted Seagrass

Penelope Classic Series Bourbon and Rye

Kingdom Hearts 4 coming to Switch 2

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reveal

Xbox 25th Anniversary console news

Halo: Campaign Evolved update

Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release review

Final score and whether it’s worth $75

Would you pick this over Maker’s 46 Cask Strength or a great Private Select?

YouTube Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Old Forester, Barrell, Nintendo & Maker’s Mark