Maker’s Mark Bourbon – Review

Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

90 Proof

Price Point: $25 – $35 for 750 ML

Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc.

Background

Just like Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Jameson Irish, and Jack Daniel’s, Maker’s Mark is just one of those whiskies you can find at virtually any bar or restaurant.  Its lightly tanned label and iconic red-waxed bottle top can be spotted from across the room, and its taste is as recognizable as any whisky.

This is one of those whiskies that doesn’t claim to be anything unique – it’s a wheated bourbon that stays consistent from year to year, even though Maker’s is in fact a small batch.  For how mainstream this bourbon can be, it’s clear from their website that a lot of thought and care goes into their product.  But let’s see how it tastes…

Review

Maker’s Mark noses like a wheated bourbon should; soft but not too sweet.  It’s simple and nice, and very comforting.

This whisky is delicate in the mouth with soft wheat.  Maker’s Mark has no overwhelming (trademark) tastes.  This is just a simple bourbon that’s smooth and easy to drink.  It’s slightly nutty from the barley in the mashbill (almost the same percentage as the wheat – Maker’s Mark is 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% barley).

The finish is a little short and unremarkable, but what did you expect?

Rating & Recommendations

Although there are plenty of tastier bourbons out there, Maker’s Mark fits its purpose a simple whisky, earning a rating of 81 out of 100.

Maker’s Mark is a smooth whisky for beginners.  I would liken it the bourbon version of Jameson Irish Whiskey; use this to introduce your friends to the world of whisky.

-Ryan