Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

This Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey bottle holds a special place in my whiskey journey. It was one of my first forays into the world of bourbon, a spirit that my love for single malt and blended whisky had previously overshadowed.

Back in 2013, Maker’s Mark made headlines when they decided to lower the ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of their bourbon.

This decision piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t resist grabbing a bottle of their “full strength” bourbon from WhiskyBrother in Hydepark. Little did I know that this decision, which they later reversed, would mark the beginning of my love affair with bourbon.

Maker’s Mark, distilled in Loretto, Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to 1954. T. William “Bill” Samuels Sr. acquired the distillery, known initially as Burks’ Distillery, and embarked on a journey to create a distinctive bourbon.

During the development phase, Samuels experimented with seven different mash bills. Rather than distilling them all, he opted for a unique approach.

He baked loaves of bread with these various grain recipes and selected the most delectable one. The winning loaf contained a high proportion of barley and red winter wheat, omitting rye altogether.

Samuels, with the guidance of St. Pappy Van Winkle and the creative touch of his wife, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels, gave birth to Maker’s Mark, complete with its iconic label and signature red wax seal.

Fast forward to 1968, and the first Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey graced the world. What sets Maker’s Mark apart from many other bourbons is its mash bill, which excludes rye in favour of red winter wheat (16%), corn (70%), and malted barley (14%).

Maker’s Mark carries no age statement; it is bottled when their expert tasters deem it ready, typically around six years old. The brand is owned by Beam Suntory.

Other releases include the Maker’s 46, a cask strength edition as well as a wood finish series.

Also Read: Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: A light golden copper. It seems lighter in colour than the other bourbons in my collection.

NOSE: Maker’s Mark reveals a less pronounced sweetness than other bourbons I have tasted. Scents of condensed milk, cherries, brandied fruit, toasted wood, and sweet vanilla spice intermingle. A few drops of water amplify the spicy and woody notes on the nose.

PALATE: When sipped neat, the palate bursts with vanilla spice, followed by cherries and fresh fruit sweetness. A layer of cinnamon spice and toasted oak follows the initial fruity notes. Maker’s Mark impresses with its velvety smoothness, and the flavour profile evolves with each subsequent sip.

It perfectly balances vanilla sweetness, cinnamon-infused oak spiciness, and subtle fruity hints. Adding water further refines the bourbon, making it exceptionally easy to savour.

FINISH:  Long with hints of sweetness, vanilla and caramel.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What an excellent introduction for those new to bourbon. In contrast, seasoned bourbon enthusiasts will also enjoy and appreciate its versatility in crafting cocktails. Its approachable nature ensures you can enjoy it all evening without growing weary of its company.

Another great aspect of this bourbon is the price.  It retails for around £32 on Amazon and I regularly see it on special.

The Maker’s Mark is a great companion to a creamy Gouda cheese.  It balances the buttery Gouda with the oak and vanilla.

Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting Maker’s 46, a unique release from this distillery. In my quest to discover perfect pairings, I once paired this bourbon with some KFC to assess the synergy between flavours.

Other Side by Side comparisons

I also compared Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace bourbon side-by-side to discern their distinct characteristics. For those interested in exploring the nuances within the Maker’s Mark portfolio, I’ve delved into the differences between Maker’s 46 and the classic Maker’s Mark.

This bourbon, with its rich history and exceptional flavour profile, continues to be a beloved and intriguing presence in the world of bourbon.

Also Read: Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey