Best Maker’s Mark Bourbons

Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 05:21 pm

With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback, I have reviewed and ranked every Maker’s Mark release and determined which is the best.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Maker’s Mark

For the Smooth Bourbon Beginner:

• Maker’s Mark: This wheated bourbon is known for its signature smoothness and easy-drinking nature. With notes of vanilla, cherry, caramel, and honey, it offers a well-rounded and approachable experience.

For Those Who Want a More Complex Maker’s Mark:

• Maker’s Mark 46: This expression takes the classic Maker’s Mark profile and adds a layer of sophistication with additional oak influence. Expect notes of oak, cherry, vanilla, and caramel with a touch of spice.

For Bourbon Drinkers Who Enjoy Higher Proof Without the Burn:

• Maker’s Mark 101: Packed with flavor at 101 proof, this bourbon offers a bolder experience than the original without the harshness often associated with high-proof bourbons. Look for notes of toasted bread, caramel, fruit, mint, vanilla, and oak.

For Spice Enthusiasts Looking for a Unique Twist:

• Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: This series offers a variety of cask finishes that add unique flavor profiles. Spice lovers will enjoy the prominent baking spice notes alongside classic oak, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness.

For the Experienced Bourbon Drinker Who Wants Uncut Power:

• Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: This uncut and bottled-at-proof bourbon delivers the most intense Maker’s Mark experience. Expect amplified flavors of cherry, vanilla, oak, and baking spice with a warm and bold finish. Enjoy it neat with a little water on the side to explore the full flavor profile.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with adding a splash of water or ice to any of these Maker’s Mark expressions. This can help open up the flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
• Consider your mood and palate when choosing a Maker’s Mark bourbon. If you’re looking for a relaxing sip, go for the classic or Maker’s Mark 46. If you want a bolder experience, try the 101 or Cask Strength.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Maker’s Mark: Smooth Sipping for Bourbon Beginners

• Nose: Vanilla, cherry
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, honey
• Finish: Medium, cherry, vanilla, pepper
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Maker’s Mark eases you into the world of bourbon. Don’t be surprised by a slight alcohol hint at first – it soon gives way to pleasant aromas of vanilla and cherry. The taste is equally inviting, offering vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey. The moderately long finish stays sweet with subtle warmth and a touch of black pepper.

Overall, Maker’s Mark is a well-rounded, balanced bourbon. It’s a great choice for both bourbon beginners seeking a smooth introduction and experienced drinkers who enjoy an easy-sipping whiskey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Maker’s Mark 46: Sophisticated Twist on a Classic

• Nose: Oak, cherry, vanilla, ripe fruit
• Palate: Oak, cherry, vanilla, caramel
• Finish: Medium-length, oak, cherry, spice
• Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Maker’s Mark 46 takes the smoothness you love and adds a touch of sophistication. Seared French oak staves elevate the classic Maker’s Mark profile, offering increased complexity without sacrificing drinkability.

The nose entices with oak, caramel, vanilla, and subtle fruit. The palate starts with oak, giving way to creamy vanilla, cherry, and a touch of caramel. The long finish lingers with oak, cherry, and subtle spice, avoiding excessive warmth.

It’s a worthy upgrade for those who appreciate a refined bourbon experience.

Maker’s Mark 101: Boldness Without the Burn

• Nose: Toasted bread, caramel, orange peel
• Palate: Fruity, mint, caramel, vanilla, oak
• Finish: Medium to long, fruity, oak
• Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Don’t let the proof fool you! Maker’s Mark 101 packs a flavorful punch without the usual high-proof burn.

The nose is subtle, offering toasted bread, caramel, and a hint of orange. The palate is surprising – full-bodied with initial fruit and mint, followed by classic Maker’s Mark notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The medium-long finish lingers with fruit, gentle oak, and a touch of pepper. Water unlocks nutty flavors, amplifies caramel, and hints at leather.

This bourbon delivers bolder character while maintaining the signature Maker’s Mark smoothness, making it a great choice for those who want a more intense yet approachable experience.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: Spice Up Your Bourbon

• Nose: Baking spice, brown sugar, oak
• Palate: Oak, vanilla, baking spice
• Finish: Medium, oak, baking spice
• Alcohol content: 108 proof (54% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water, rocks

Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series takes cask-strength bourbon and ages it in unique wood staves, creating a flavor explosion.

The nose is a blend of baking spices, followed by brown sugar and subtle oak. The palate is hearty and warming (water helps!), dominated by oak alongside classic Maker’s Mark vanilla and a hint of spice. The finish lingers with oak and baking spice.

This unique bourbon offers a compelling alternative to Weller Antique 107 at a great value.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Uncut Power Meets Classic Smoothness

• Nose: Cherry, vanilla, oak
• Palate: Oak, vanilla, cherry, baking spice
• Finish: Cherry, oak, spice
• Alcohol content: 114 proof (57% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength dials up the flavor! This uncut expression retains the classic Maker’s Mark profile – cherry, vanilla, oak, and a touch of tobacco – but on steroids.

The nose is bold, the palate creamy yet bursting with oak, vanilla, cherry, and baking spices. The finish is warm and bold, showcasing oak and spice.

Enjoy it neat on those days you crave a more intense bourbon experience, or add water or ice to tame the strength and unlock a deeper layer of flavors.

Learn more: Maker’s Mark Website

Buying Guide

Whiskey	Price	Proof	Rating
Maker’s Mark	$32	90	69
46	$42	94	75
101	$44	101	77
Wood Finishing Series	$70	108	77
Cask Strength	$53	114	78

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Were the Top Maker’s Mark Bottles Chosen?

• Selections were based on direct customer feedback, expert advice, and extensive online research.

What Sets Maker’s Mark Apart?

• Owned by Beam Suntory, Maker’s Mark is distinguished by its use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, contributing to its smoother and sweeter taste.

Historical Snapshot of Maker’s Mark

• Established in 1953 with the acquisition of Burks Distillery, Maker’s Mark became notable for its unique red wax seal and approach to bourbon production that favored wheat.

Why is Maker’s Mark Spelled Without an ‘E’?

• Reflecting Bill Samuels’ Scottish heritage, the brand chose the Scottish spelling “whisky,” aligning with traditions in Scotland and Canada, in contrast to the American and Irish spelling “whiskey.”