Category: Wheated Whiskey

Hannah’s Maker’s Mark Review

Original review written on December 21, 2019

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A brilliant introduction to bourbon. Maker’s is a must. While not my favorite at around this price point, this spirit is enjoyable from start to finish. Great Value! Read my Maker’s Mark Review here! 86/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Loretto, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Wheated
– Age: undisclosed
– Mash Bill: Corn=70%; Soft Red Winter Wheat=16%; Malted Barley=14%
– Casks: undisclosed char; likely #3 similar to other Maker’s products
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 45% (90 proof)
– Price: $24.95 USD in Idaho

Visit makersmark.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine revisiting the distant Denver Botanical Gardens, standing in the warm and humid greenhouse in the birth of springtime, where colors are vibrant for the future and skies beyond the glass dome ceiling are an unburdened and new crystal blue.

Photo taken by Hannah Dawson at Denver Botanical Gardens

NOSE:

Even chilled from sitting outside in the cold, winter bunker, sweet molten caramel erupts from the glass. As it continues to warm, vanilla and a cream cheese frosting come forth. The grain most forward, I would say is that winter wheat, but the malt from the barley adds another depth. Little spice is there, maybe hinting at cinnamon or perhaps nutmeg. Fig and a hint of cherry and orange blossom lift the flavor to a level not-quite bright/fresh, keeping the nose deep and rich, even down to the oak which just lingers.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: Soft, maybe a touch watery. Wish it had an oily-er feel to be honest.
– Balance: For being $25, the blend/balance cannot be faulted.
– Visual: Russetmuscat in color, there is a fragmented crown, with thin legs running down the glass.

– Taste: Upon first sip, I’m met with a dusty corn, maybe even the essence of the hunks themselves. The wheat from the nose is still there, ripe and ready for harvest. The caramel does kick in, but it is much more subdued. Along with the classic Maker’s bourbon warmth, I find the fig again – maybe being more raisin-ey though – and the cherry too.

The spice remains the same as the nose, with a heavier hand on the nutmeg. The vanilla is light, mixing with a pastry element, not unlike pie crust but not the graham cracker variety. There also seems to be a peanut component, blending with a sweet, but subtle oak.

A Kentucky chew brings the grassy, corn husks forward to mingle with the cherry. This is also where I find the most barrel char as well. Floral notes are there, but they are indistinguishable. Quite good with not a lot of burn.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. It’s an appropriate finish for the price point, but I can’t help but wish it was longer.
– Between sips: Raisins and oak dominate the spaces between sips with caramel and cherry trying to sneak in unsuccessfully. But they try.

– No More: Cherries continue to grow in the glass as I go, decidedly maraschino. Mmm … Caramel and oak are welcome additions, leaving me with a pleased impression of standard Maker’s, though not my favorite of the distillery.

The empty Glencairn is a beautiful oak, full and rich. This is a glass that could be turned into a candle.

WORTH THE PRICE?

Absolutely! Keep it around for those who are new to whiskey/bourbon and are looking for an adventure.

RATING: 86/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 86/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.

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Hannah’s Whiskey Reviews
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Brian’s Maker’s Mark Bourbon Review:

originally published in December 2017; updated on 22-December-2019

MAKER’S MARK BOURBON REVIEW:

Maker’s opened my eyes to bourbon many, many years ago, and will always have a place in my heart. While not the best bourbon I’ve ever had, I could drink it all night long. Not real complex, not real bold, but always a consistent sip. Consider saving a spot in the bunker for sharing this introductory whisky for novice friends.

MAKER’S MARK VITAL STATS:

– Category: Wheated Bourbon
– Region: Loretto, KY, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark
– Mash Bill: Mashbill: 70% corn; 16% soft red winter wheat; 14% malted barley
– Barrel Char: unpublished (likely #3, similar to other Maker’s Mark products)
– Barrel entry proof: 110
– Age: unpublished
– ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
– Price: $31.95 USD (Idaho, Spring 2023)

https://www.makersmark.com/

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

For the evaluation, I shared the juice neat from Glencairn glasses with my daughter and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer Hannah.

Check out her review for this bourbon here!

MAKER’S MARK NOSE:

Upon taking in the first draw, the memory of past Maker’s experiences come flooding back. All Maker’s products have the same aromas, some more bold than others. This Maker’s Mark is dry with light floral fruit tree blossoms on the wind mixing with sweet corn and and a nice wheatiness. It is minty clean with an essence of fresh citrus and red ripe fruit, Maraschino cherries and spices of light cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper. The juice is sweet; aromas of orange sponge cake mix with a pudding-like vanilla custard, maple sugar candy and buttery caramel. At the same time the aroma is simple – and the nose is treated to a little light, sweet oak.

MAKER’S MARK PALATE:

Like the nose, the juice is dry with plenty of fruit tree blossoms, sweet corn, wheat and red berries. At 90 proof it warms the mouth and throat with flavors of dried figs and dark cherry fruit leather and the enhanced spices of ginger and pepper shine. Like on the nose vanilla pudding and buttery caramel provide sweetness. Makers is simple with a pleasant cashew aftertaste and there is a non-overpowering hazy barrel char of light sweet oak – Classic Maker’s Mark.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Maker’s Mark is well blended. After years of tasting other whiskeys, it is a bit watery yet mellow, rich and smooth – offering the throat a little tickle, just to let one know its there. In the Glencairn it gives the glass a good coating before clinging droplets of an irregular crown give way to long legs which return quickly to the not quite tawny colored pool.

MAKER’S MARK FINISH:

Maker’s Mark finishes with medium strength. Still dry, its warmth lingers as flavors of figs, pepper and creamed chocolate covered almond-cherries disappear but peek back in. The finish is well blended, sweet and mellow with a pleasant and classic Maker’s Mark aftertaste.

MY RATING: 86/100

Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
But it won’t be a must have in the bunker.
_{Click to read Brian’s scoring process.}

Click 86/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.

Back to …

Brian’s Whiskey Reviews
Whiskey Reviews