Maker’s Mark is one of the most famous Kentucky bourbons because of its sweet taste, complex flavor notes, and long history. Maker’s Mark whiskey has become an icon in the bourbon world because it is aged to perfection in charred white oak barrels and comes with a red wax dip. This classic bourbon has a smooth body and a warming finish. It brings out flavor notes that tickle the taste buds, whether it’s served straight up or in a craft cocktail. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Maker’s Mark bourbon and review it based on aroma, color, taste, body, and finish.
Is Maker’s Mark Whiskey Or Bourbon?
Beam Suntory’s Loretto, Kentucky, distillery is home to the world-famous Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey. People all over the world have been drinking this whiskey for decades.
What Makes a Maker’s Mark Unique?
Maker’s Mark is one-of-a-kind in its production process, making it stand out from other spirits on the shelf. Every bottle is dipped by hand to create a unique finish, and sometimes even over-dipped for a “slam dunk” effect to add an extra touch of character and charm. Maker’s Mark also stands out because of how they age their whiskey. They move the barrels from higher to lower levels in their warehouses to help even out temperature changes. This method of aging ensures that each bottle has consistent flavor and smoothness.
How Much Is A Barrel Of Maker’s Mark Whiskey?
A barrel of Maker’s Mark Whiskey can cost over $13,000 since each barrel yields approximately 200 bottles of 750-ml Bourbon. This assumes a price of $69.99 for each bottle. In addition to this financial commitment, Maker’s Mark also has a program for aging barrels of whiskey that lets customers make them even more unique.
How Is Maker’s Mark Whiskey Made?
Makers Mark Whiskey is a high-quality whiskey made from a perfect blend of 70% corn, 16% soft winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. This combination of ingredients is specifically designed to create a whisky that has a smooth and full-bodied flavor that stands out from the competition. The distillate made from this mixture is then aged in virgin American white oak casks, which are prized for their ability to impart woody, oaky, sweet, and spicy notes into the whiskey during maturation. Even though it hasn’t been officially said, most people think that it takes between 4 and 6 years.
Why Does Maker’s Mark Whiskey Have A Lower Proof?
Maker’s Mark whiskey is different from most other whiskeys because it has a lower proof. This is because of the way it is made. This process begins by barreling the spirit at 110 proof, which is lower than many other brands. By doing this, more water can dissolve different wood sugars better than alcohol. This makes the bourbon taste sweeter and stronger, even after it has been diluted to 90 proof and bottled. Maker’s Mark is also never chilled during production. This means that a lot more flavorful compounds from the distillation process stay in the whiskey, giving it a richer flavor with sweet and subtle notes.
How Should You Drink Maker’s Mark Whiskey?
The best way to enjoy Maker’s Mark whiskey is by savoring the flavor profile and complexity of its sweet caramel and vanilla aroma. When drinking it neat, it is important to slow down and sip the whiskey, allowing your taste buds to appreciate its full potential. If you choose to have it on ice, use only one or two cubes, as more can potentially dilute its subtle flavors. It is also recommended to add a few drops of water, as this will further bring out flavors and aromas.
Does Maker’s Mark Have A Strong Finish?
Maker’s Mark does not have a strong finish. Upon tasting it, one will find that the bourbon body is relatively thin and light; this could give the impression that the finish is almost nonexistent. However, when sampled correctly, you can pick up on subtle notes of citrus, caramel, and oak on the palate. These flavors are pleasant but not particularly heavy or deep compared to other bourbons.
Is Maker’s Mark A Wheated Bourbon?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon. It is famous for its special recipe, which uses corn, wheat, and barley instead of the more common rye, corn, and barley. This mix makes Maker’s Mark taste smoother and sweeter than regular bourbon. This has been the brand’s signature since it was founded in 1958. In particular, Maker’s Mark stands out from other whiskey brands due to its use of only natural ingredients and traditional aging techniques during the production process, making it one of the most sought-after wheated bourbons on the market.
What Flavors Do Wheated Bourbons Have?
Wheated bourbon is known for its unique, sweet, and mellow flavor that often stands out from other types of bourbon. This is because wheat is used as a grain in wheated bourbons instead of rye. Unlike rye grains, which often smell and taste more herbal, wheat grains smell and taste less herbal and more subtle. As a result, when tasting wheated bourbon, one can often notice warm baking spices such as cinnamon and clove with hints of honey, caramel, vanilla, and wheat bread.
What Does Maker’s Mark Smell Like?
Maker’s Mark Bourbon is known for having an aroma that is both unique and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky notes. On the nose, you’ll notice right away that it smells like sweet caramel with hints of grassy wheat, dried peanuts, and vanilla, as well as hints of dried apples and oranges that are subtle but inviting. To make a fragrance, the earthy sweetness from the malt is mixed with the smokiness from the toasted oak and the earthy bitterness from the wheat.
Does Maker’s Mark Go With Coke?
Maker’s Mark mixes well with Coke. The grain bill of Maker’s Mark is high in wheat content, which gives it a sweetness unlike other bourbons and pairs nicely with cola. For a balance of flavor and sweetness, it’s suggested to use a 3:1 ratio of Maker’s Mark to Coke when mixing and to serve over ice. The sweetness of the bourbon pairs well with the acidity of the cola.
Conclusion
Maker’s Mark is a high-quality Kentucky bourbon whiskey that has become an icon in the bourbon world. Maker’s Mark is a whiskey made from natural red winter wheat and malted barley. It is aged in charred white oak barrels and comes in a package with a red wax dip. Because of how it is made, it has a lower proof than many other whiskeys. This gives it a sweeter flavor with more subtle notes. The flavor is best when you drink it neat or with only one or two cubes of ice. Adding water will further bring out its flavors and aromas. Make sure to buy some the next time you’re at the store.
