Let’s talk about bourbons. I discovered bourbons later on my whiskey journey. One of the first bourbons I tried was the Makers Mark, and this inspired me to explore more from this category. My palate loved the sweeter oak and vanilla notes.
Even though the category is relatively small in South Africa, I have still managed to taste quite a few releases over the years. Today I look at two of the best-known bourbon brands against each other; Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey.
Comparing the distinctive red wax seal versus the bourbon that pay tribute to the pioneering spirit and the great herds of buffalo that used to roam the planes. I am always amazed at how whiskey or bourbon taste differs when you try them side by side. And how, within the bourbon category, there can be so many aroma and flavour variations.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky. Harrison Blanton constructed the first official distillery on the side around 1812. Today it is owned by the Sazerac Company who also own Blanton’s and Eagle Rare bourbon.
Buffalo Trace was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them. It has no age statement.
The Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon mash bill is not disclosed, however it is speculated that it contains a high corn percentage and less than 10% rye.
Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Maker’s Mark is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky by Beam Suntory. Production of Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey started in 1954, after William Samuels, purchased the distillery known as Burks’ Distillery. The whisky was named by Samuels’ wife, Marjorie ” who gave it the name of Maker’s Mark.
She also designed the now-classic label and came up with the red wax dipping top that gives the Makers Mark bottle its distinctive look. Maker’s Mark has no age statement. It is bottled when the maker agree that it is ready, roughly around 6 years.
The Maker’s Mark’s mash bill consists of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley.
| Buffalo Trace | Maker's Mark | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bourbon whiskey | Bourbon whiskey |
| ABV | 45% | 45% |
| Colour | A reddish copper | Light golden copper |
| Nose | Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background. | Cherries, brandied fruit, toasted wood and vanilla spice. Adding a few drops of water brings out more spice and woody notes. |
| Palate | There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice. | Full of vanilla, followed by sweet cherries and fresh red fruit. Cinnamon and toasted oak. A few drops of water brings butterscotch and warming nutmeg. Delicious and very easy drinking. |
| Finish | Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat. | Long with hints of sweetness, vanilla and caramel. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Without water it is bold and interesting. Drink it neat! | Delicious, A great introduction to bourbon It is smooth and easy drinking. |
| Price point | $33 | $36 |
It is interesting to note that people rated the Buffalo Trace higher on Whizzky compared to the Makers. The Buffalo Trace has a sweet, bold nose with lots of vanilla and fruity sweetness. The Maker’s Mark nose is less pronounced and spicier with distinctive red fruit and oak.
However, when you taste them next to each other, the Buffalo Trace is spicier and less complicated compared to the Maker’s Mark. The Buffalo Trace bring notes of orange marmalade, cinnamon, oak and pepper. The Maker’s Mark bourbon has more cherries and vanilla on the palate. Butterscotch and nutmeg notes adds a delicious edge to the mix. The Maker’s is smooth and easy drinking.
The finish on the Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace is also different. On the Buffalo Trace, the finish is medium length and spicier. The Maker’s Mark finish is warming and long with vanilla sweetness.
The price differential between these two releases are quite small. On Amazon, the Buffalo Trace retails for around £24 and the Makers Mark for around £27. (There are regular specials on Amazon to look out for.)
Yes, I have a favourite; the Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey. It is what I like in a bourbon. Vanilla, juicy red cherries and toasted oak. It might be a bit more expensive than the Buffalo Trace, but I think it is worth it.
I have done a side by side comparison between the Maker’s 46 and the standard Maker’s Mark and you can see in that blog post which one I prefer. I have also compared the Buffalo Trace to a Bulleit bourbon as well as a Woodford Reserve bourbon to see which one is better.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve
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Like both of these. I’ll do a side by side when I get back home in Kentucky after the holidays.