| Brand | Maker's Mark |
| Region | United States |
| Spirits Type | Whiskey |
| Spirits Style | Bourbon |
| ABV | 45% |
Product details
Maker’s Mark was founded by Bill Samuels Sr. in Loretto, Kentucky, in the 1950s, with a simple aim: craft a whiskey he would enjoy drinking—smooth, never bitter, and distinctly approachable. Departing from traditional rye-heavy bourbon, he introduced soft red winter wheat into the mash bill alongside corn and malted barley—a decision inspired by endless taste tests using freshly baked bread made from candidate mash bills. Each hand-dipped bottle, sealed in its signature red wax, reinforces the brand’s commitment to artisanal quality and hands-on attention. Maker’s Mark matures its whiskey until “aged to taste, not time,” rotating barrels by hand within its limestone-rich warehouses to ensure even maturation and preserve a signature smoothness.
On the nose, expect enticing aromas of sweet oak, vanilla, bright fresh fruit, and the soft, wheaty character that defines its flavor profile. The palate is creamy and balanced—delivering caramel and fruity essences, underpinned by a gentle spice and smooth finish at 90 proof (45% ABV). Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Gold Rush, Maker’s Mark shines with versatility. For dining, pair it with rich, savory foods—like grilled pork chops with maple glaze, roasted root vegetables, or aged cheddar and smoked gouda—to complement its sweet-oak layers. Chocolate desserts, especially dark chocolate or caramel praline tarts, also highlight its smooth, mellow sweetness and leave a lasting, clean finish.
