Makers Mark Cask Strength
Cask Strength from Makers Mark is bourbon in its purest form. The distillery uses a non-chill filter, and its bottled at barrel proof. The proof ranges from 108 to 114, depending on the barrel they poured it from.
It is surprising that its so smooth with such a high proof. It has the signature Makers Mark on the front palate. The kicker is the amped-up spice notes, oak, caramel, and vanilla.
The Cask Strength has a big, oaky smell with vanilla and smoky charcoal hints. Your palate will experience a more decadent, more robust spice, smoke, and vanilla flavors.
The finish is big, being a longer finish on the front of your tongue minus any bitterness or roughness.
Makers Mark Limited Edition: Wood Finishing Series : Fae
The Wood Finishing Series made a comeback, folks. In the spring of 2021, after the FAE-01, Makers Mark decided to offer a fourth, limited release of the wood experimentation.
The FAE-o2 honors Makers signature whiskey with more focus on the mouthfeel. Add to that the notes of different wood combinations all over the place. The process is a bit different with Makers Mark using double heat-treated French oak rather than the traditional American oak.
The aroma is toasty with sweet oak, caramel, and slight hints of brown sugar. The texture is forward with rich, deep notes of spice and oak. The long, balanced, consistent texture and tone are something to talk about.
Alternatives To Makers Mark At Comparable Prices
When looking for alternatives, its usually best to start with the distillers base product. In this instance, because Makers Mark came about specifically to be a unique and stand-alone whiskey, the best way to find an alternative is to find whiskies that use wheat in their mash, similar to Makers Mark, though not very many distilleries use a lot, if any, of wheat in their mash bills. One not so nationally recognized whiskey at around the same price as Makers Mark is Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. Both Bernheim and Makers are 45% ABV, and Bernheim is aged 7 years compared to Makers Marks 6 years. If you are looking to go more towards the economical side, then Larceny Bourbon from Heaven Hill is the way to go, with a 20% wheat mash bill and at around $25 for a 750ml bottle.
If youre looking to really go all out, some of the most lauded whiskies available these days are the Van Winkle lines from Buffalo Trace. Both the Pappy Van Winkle and Old Rip Van Winkle usually have 16-18% wheat in their mash bills and are bottled at various ages. However, these sometimes hard to find whiskies range from over $500 to up to $5000 a bottle.
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The Best Way To Drink Makers Mark
Makers Mark is carefully crafted to enhance the smooth flavors of bourbon while eliminating the raw, spicy qualities of the rye typically found in Bourbon mash. Thus, its recommended that you try Makers Mark at least once on its own- neat. But it makes some great cocktails too, so here are some of the best ways to mix Makers Mark.
A Brief History Of Makers Mark
Like many bourbon craftsmen, Bill Samuels wanted to take his familys 170-year-old recipe and make great bourbon. This sixth-generation distiller accidentally set it on fire, leaving him to search for the ingredients to create his own mash bill recipe.
That mustve been frustrating, but that didnt stop him. With some ingenuity and patience, Bill experiments with various flavoring grains. Instead of taking years to find the best combination, Mr. Samuels baked loaves of bread using different grain combinations.
That process saved him time, but during the process, he realized he didnt want rye in the mash bill, and he replaced it with soft, red winter wheat. The hot bite of the rye was gone, making way for the delicate sweetness Makers Mark is favored for.
Bill Samuels had the recipe and skills. Margie brought the marketing and appeal. Shes responsible for the signature red wax topper that makes every bottle stand out on the shelves. Her marketing design was brilliant, but it also tells the Makers Mark story in a way.
The square-shaped bottle was inspired by Margies 19th-century collection of cognac bottles. Margies Mark features a star in recognizing the Star Hill Farm where the family lived.
The S is for the name Samuels and the Roman numeral of IV symbolizes Bill Sr.s status as a fourth-generation distiller. but the original IV stayed.
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Cocktails With Makers Mark Whiskey
Blue Bourbon Spritzer
- 2.0 oz Makers Mark Bourbon
- 1.5 oz Fresh Sour Mix*
- Seltzer or Lemon Lime Soda
In a mixing tin, muddle the blueberries. Add the fresh sour mix and bourbon, fill halfway with ice and shake vigorously. Pour over fresh ice in a tall glass and top with seltzer or lemon-lime soda if you prefer it a little sweeter. Garnish with blueberries and/or lemon wedge or twist.
*To make a fresh sour mix at home, simply combine equal parts simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Make sure to strain the seeds and pulp out of your lemon juice.
- 2.0 oz Makers 46
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
Woodford Reserve Vs Makers Mark
In this American whiskey showdown, well take a look at two prominent Bourbon whiskey brands that are premium-category fan favorites of bourbon aficionados everywhere.
While each of these bottles offers a great representation of their price range, what might be most appealing is the opportunity to further your whiskey education by giving them a try. In this matchup, we look at two products that offer unique takes on the fermentation and distillation processes.
So grab a glass you just might learn something!
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Alternatives To Makers Mark Bourbon Whiskey
- Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey- $19: Jim Beam is the oldest brand of Bourbon there is, and the flavor is emblematic of Bourbon itself. In fact, most of the requirements around Bourbon today are founded upon this recipe, so its a great introduction into the style of Bourbon.
- 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey- $35: This one will put hair on your chest. In contrast to the winter wheat utilized in Makers Mark, this Bourbon uses mostly rye besides the 51% corn required in a Bourbon mash. So its spicy, sour, and hot.
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey $42: Buffalo Trace has been in production, using the same recipe, for 200 years. It tastes rugged as an homage to the buffalo trails that paved the way for settlers to find the first Wild West: Kentucky.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey- $60: This bourbon, like Makers Mark, is smooth and supple. But what makes Woodford Reserve so unique is that its aged twice, each time in a separate charred oak barrel. This extracts extra soft, sweet oak flavors.
- Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey- $250: If youve tried some of these other Bourbons and have found yourself to be a real fan of the style, dont pass up a pour of Blantons when you get the chance. Its rare, carefully crafted, and straight from single barrels.
Makers Mark Price Guide
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We only provide the approximate prices. You can get the accurate prices from local stores.
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Properties Of Makers Mark Whiskey
Makers Mark Alcohol Content is 45% by volume, with being 90 US proof and also available as 84 US proof, quite a limited edition. Makers Mark Calories are around 60 to 70 calories in a single shot. According to Makers Mark nutrition facts, there are zero proteins, and zero fats in Makers mark. Also, Makers Mark Carbs are zero.
Makers Mark Bourbon Whisky
Description: In the glass, Makers Mark has an amber-honey complexion. Its 90-proof strength is evident by the legs that run down the glass after the liquid is swirled around a snifter.
Nose: New oak and cherry aromas, with honey, soft wheat and malted cereal notes.
Tongue: Sweet honey, vanilla, maple syrup and almond flavors.
Finish: Lingering maraschino cherry, chocolate, clove and baking spices.
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Makers Mark Special Release Bourbons
Theres the original Makers Mark, consistently produced with that reliable delicious flavor year after year. And then theres the special releases, produced with new expressions in mind. The Private Selection is focused on new cask expressions, and Private Selection is a cask strength bourbon that undergoes a series of 10 casks for finishing.
Where To Buy Makers Mark
Although Makers Mark is known for its top shelf quality, its actually found at some very accessible price points and is distributed everywhere Bourbon is sold. Therefore, its common to find it in markets like Costco, Walmart, and in most liquor stores where Bourbon is popular. To locate it near you, visit drizly.com.
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Related Climate Pledge Friendly Items
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Makers Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon
This is the bourbon recipe that started it all. Its what Makers Mark is made of. The woody oak, blended with sweet wheat, caramel, and vanilla scents, tantalize the taste buds.
When you taste it, your palate is greeted with a sweet and balanced caramel flavor with vanilla and fruity essences hints. Finally, this bourbon finishes subtle and smooth.
Makers Mark bourbon is a little more expensive than Jim Beam.
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Cask Strength & Private Selection
Anytime you see a whiskey maker releasing a cask strength whiskey, it means that the whiskey forgoes the traditional process of dilution with water. This process is to calm down the strong flavors of whiskey straight from the barrel while also maintaining a consistent alcohol level. Makers Mark is no different in that each batch of Cask Strength will have a slightly different ABV and each will have its own slightly unique flavor characteristics.
Makers Mark Private Selection follows in the same vein as cask strength in that each batch will be unique and bottled without dilution.
For this line of whiskies, Makers Mark is working with retailers who purchase a barrel of finished whisky. Then, Makers Mark adds 10 oak staves to the barrel for additional aging, similar to the process of making Makers 46. However, here, the purchasing retailer is choosing what types of staves to use and in what quantities. They offer five different types of staves to use, making over 1,001 possible combinations, leaving every single batch unique to its creator.
Makers Mark Price Guide And Special Variations
| Name |
| $60-$100 |
Fast forward from 1953, Loretto, Kentucky, to more recent years.
In 2021, Makers Mark was awarded a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. The product line has also been growing with new additions to their portfolio like Makers Mark 46, Mark Cask Strength, and Private Selection.
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How To Drink Makers Mark Bourbon
A good bourbon is meant to be sipped an experience is supposed to come with the drink. However, sipping, shooting, and mixing are all excellent options for this bourbon brand. The smooth taste makes it versatile for numerous cocktails.
Makers Mark is also a prime choice for cooking bourbon. Add some flair to your BBQ and grilled meats.
Because there are countless ways to mix Makers Mark, the best way is your own personal preference, but here are some delicious ideas. Keep it simple with a Makers and Coke or spruce it up.
Makers Mark Private Select Ryans Liquor Review
Color: Nearly identical medium-dark-orangey maize, perhaps with a brownish tone.
On the nose: By way of contrast, the same sticky-sweet notes present themselves here immediately. Im also detecting a bitterly citric note of orange peel. The influence of the mocha staves is subtle but noticeable, with a roasty aroma hovering around the background. Theres a subtly yeasty whiff of bread dough here as well as a faint note of tomato ketchup. Overall the nose on this is rounder, plumper, and warmer than the baseline expression.
In the mouth: This starts with the momentary flavor of clods of earth and dried firewood. I get a similar bloom of flowers in the middle of the mouth, though this transitions rapidly to a tart flavor of underripe stone fruit. At the middle of the tongue this has a peppery heat, enveloping faintly roasty notes. A firm and stern mineral note emerges as this transitions into the finish this is the lingering impression left by this whiskey, though theres also an accent of cola at the very end. This has a better mouthfeel altogether than the prior dram, with more intense flavors and a more engaging texture from front to back.
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How To Drink It
There is no limit on consuming Makers Mark bourbon whisky because it is smooth and sweet. It is a delight to consume neat or sip slowly, but a splash of water or ice can help for maximum aroma and flavor.
In addition, it is a versatile distilled spirit because the rich and smooth flavor of the bourbon is a great foundation for bourbon-based cocktails.
You can try the brand with soda, ginger ale, beer, or wine too. There are different delicious and refreshing cocktails with Makers Mark.
Makers Mark Whisky Bourbon Kentucky Straight 90 Proof
- The original handmade premium bourbon
- Soft red winter wheat makes our whisky full flavored, yet remarkably easy to drink
- Remarkably smooth and balanced, with notes of caramel and vanilla and a front-of-palate finish
- Made slowly in small batches at our historic distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
- Each bottle is hand dipped in our signature red wax
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
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Best Things To Mix With Makers Mark
Since Makers Mark is such a flavor-conscious liquor, its best to add mixers that complement the bourbon, so here are five single mixers that make for a killer instant Makers Mark cocktail.
- Sour: A whiskey sour is a classic, especially with the delicate flavors of a good Makers Mark. The sour eliminates the flavor of the ethanol while juxtaposing the sweet, smooth flavors of the winter wheat.
- Soda water: Soda water instantly dilutes a liquor without competing with the flavor, while adding some bubbly to zhuzh it up just a bit, which is perfect for this Bourbon whiskey.
- Rocks: A large cube of ice is known to instantly chill a nice pour of liquor without watering it down too much. Its effortless and classy, just like Makers Mark.
- Water: A good bourbon is always enhanced by a splash of water. It helps the aromas breathe and the flavors expand.
- Ginger beer: A splash of ginger beer goes a long way, and its especially suited for Makers Mark. The spicy ginger has no rye to compete with and creates a well-rounded flavor.
About Makers Mark Bourbon Whiskey
Seldom does a liquor reinvent an industry, but thats exactly what Makers Mark did. While Bourbon has existed for centuries as a predominantly corn and rye mash distillation, Makers Mark came on the scene in the 1950s with a flair for innovation and a penchant for flavor, and they changed everything.
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Makers Mark Cask Strength Boulevardier
- 1-1/2 parts Makers Mark Cask Strength
- 3/4 parts Campari® Liqueur
- 3/4 parts sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Add all ingredients to a cocktail mixing glass or other stirring vessel. Add ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Using a cocktail strainer, strain into a serving glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
Ownership & Line Extensions
These two brands are owned by longstanding powerhouses in the world of Kentucky bourbon.
Beam Suntory has a lineage that dates to 1795 when the Beam family began distilling in Kentucky. Beam Suntory is the third-largest producer of distilled spirits in the world. It was formed when the Japan-based Suntory acquired Beam Inc., based in Chicago. The Makers Mark brand was purchased from the Samuels family in 1981, but the family continues to play a significant role.
The Brown-Forman Corporation began in 1870, when Garvin Brown began bottling regional whiskeys in Louisville, Kentucky. Today, Brown-Forman is most known for a Tennessee Brand Jack Daniels but it produces several Kentucky bourbon brands, including Old Forester. The Woodford Reserve brand was created by Brown-Forman to celebrate the reopening of the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery in Woodford County, which was renamed the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
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