Maker’s Mark Bourbon is one of the most identifiable bottles on any back bar. But although you may know it when you see it, do you know what’s inside the bottle? Or did you know that the brand makes more than one bourbon in its portfolio? If you’re looking to get a quick look at what Maker’s Mark has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we’ve got a few tasting notes along with our community rating so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re ready to make a purchase.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon
This is Maker’s Mark signature wheated bourbon. It’s made from soft red winter wheat instead of rye along with corn and malted barley.
What to Know:
Unusually, founder Bill Samuels Sr. came up with the recipe for Maker’s Mark by baking various loaves of bread with different grains until he settled on the perfect blend. His wife Margie was responsible for the shape of the bottle, the signature label, and the iconic red wax topper.
What Our Experts Say It Tastes Like:
Vanilla bean, crème brûlée and a just-opened package of bread
Avg US Price: $29
ABV: 45%
Community Rating: 3.46 out of 5 stars (7,962 Ratings)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon /Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark 46
This is only the second product ever to be added to the Maker’s Mark portfolio since 1953.
What to Know:
Maker’s Mark 46 starts with fully-matured cask strength original Maker’s Mark. Then seared French oak staves are added to the barrel to finish its maturation. By the way, “46” refers to the staves the brand selected which was named “Stave Profile No. 46.”
What Our Experts Say It Tastes Like:
Delivers notes of toasted coconut and baking-spice-laden oak
Avg US Price:$40
ABV: 47%
Community Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars (4,004 Ratings)
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Like the name says, this is Maker’s Mark at full cask strength. Only 19 barrels are selected for each batch.
What to Know:
This is a non-chill-filtered bourbon which provides a fuller flavor. The proof ranges from 108-114 depending on the batch so check your labels.
What Our Experts Say It Tastes Like:
Bright citrus zest, apricot, vanilla and honeysuckle
Avg US Price: $48
ABV: 54-57%
Community Rating: 3.91 out of 5 stars (1,398 Ratings)
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength /Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark
Other Maker’s Mark Bourbons to Know:
While the previous bourbon bottlings are part of the Maker’s Mark permanent portfolio, the brand does release some limited editions.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series
For its Wood Finishing Series, the brand works in conjunction with the Independent Stave Company. Using unique staves with different toast or char levels and from various types of oak, the brand can create a new flavor profile. The most recent expression is FAE-01 released in spring 2021.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series /Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark Private Selection
Retailers and bars/restaurants purchase a single barrel and create their own flavor profile using five different stave types. There are 1,001 possible stave combinations. Be sure to visit your local bar/shops to see what they have on offer.
Maker’s Mark Private Selection
Ready to do your own Maker’s Mark Bourbon comparisons?
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