Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:25 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Evan Williams vs Maker’s Mark in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
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.
Written by: J Highland
Evan Williams vs Maker’s Mark: Comparison
Evan Williams: An affordable, sweet bourbon with aromas of honey, caramel, and vanilla, leading to a palate of old leather and oak char. It’s an easygoing choice for everyday sipping and homemade cocktails, offering a decent body and a gentle warmth on the finish.
Maker’s Mark: A smooth, sweet bourbon featuring vanilla, cherry, and caramel, with a soft and pleasant texture. It’s approachable and well-rounded, perfect for those seeking a hassle-free sipping experience with a hint of sweetness.
Key Difference: The primary difference between Maker’s Mark and Evan Williams is that Maker’s Mark utilizes wheat instead of rye in its mash bill, resulting in a sweet flavor profile without the typical spiciness of rye.
The Verdict: Evan Williams and Maker’s Mark cater to bourbon enthusiasts looking for quality and value. Evan Williams offers a straightforward, sweet profile at an unbeatable price, making it ideal for casual enjoyment. Maker’s Mark, with its wheated mash bill, provides a sweet, smooth experience, appealing to those who prefer a gentle bourbon with no harsh edges, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Maker’s Mark Whiskeys
Evan Williams: Sweet & Simple Sipping for Everyday Enjoyment
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, honey, ethanol
- Palate: Honey, spice, old leather, oak char
- Finish: Old leather, oak char, spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Benchmark
Looking for a bourbon that’s easy on the wallet? Evan Williams might be your answer. This affordable spirit offers a sweet experience, making it a great choice for casual sipping or mixing cocktails.
Take a whiff: Sweet aromas of honey, caramel, and vanilla greet you, with a slight whisper of alcohol.
First sip: Expect a decent body with some texture. The initial sweetness gives way to subtle notes of old leather and a touch of oak char, adding a hint of complexity without being overwhelming.
A lingering finish: Prepare for a gentle warmth followed by hints of leather and a spicy bite. This lingers, but not unpleasantly.
Unlock more sweetness: Add a dash of water to emphasize the caramel notes and smooth out any roughness, making it even more enjoyable.
Why choose Evan Williams?
- Affordable champion: This budget-friendly option won’t break the bank, making it perfect for everyday sipping.
- Sweet: The profile is easy on the palate, ideal for those new to bourbon or wanting a relaxed experience.
- No fuss, just flavor: While not complex, it delivers a consistent and satisfying taste, free of off-putting notes.
- Mix it up: Its versatility makes it suitable for neat sipping, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Bonus facts:
- Classic mash bill: Crafted with 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye for a balanced character.
- Distillery pedigree: Produced at the renowned Heaven Hill Distillery, known for other favorites like Elijah Craig and Rittenhouse Rye.
Ready for a simple and sweet bourbon experience? Give Evan Williams a try! Cheers!
Maker’s Mark: Sweet & Smooth Sipping Journey
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, honey
- Finish: Medium, cherry, vanilla, pepper
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Jefferson’s Reserve
Craving a bourbon that’s easy on the palate and wallet? Maker’s Mark might be your perfect partner in crime. This approachable and well-rounded spirit offers a smooth sipping experience, making it a great choice for both bourbon newbies and seasoned drinkers alike.
First whiff: You might initially catch a fleeting hint of acetone, but fear not! This quickly evaporates, revealing inviting aromas of vanilla and cherry as the whiskey breathes.
On the tongue: Prepare for a pleasing dance of flavors: vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey create a delightful and smooth texture.
The finish: Expect a gentle sweetness and minimal warmth, marked by a subtle peppery whisper that lingers for a moderate duration.
Unlock hidden depths: Add a touch of water and witness a magical transformation. The taste takes on a nostalgic Tootsie Pop vibe, while the spice calms down, making for an even more enjoyable journey.
Why choose Maker’s Mark?
- Smooth & approachable: Perfect for those new to bourbon or wanting a hassle-free sipping experience.
- Sweet & balanced: The wheated mash contributes to a slightly sweeter profile, making it easy to appreciate.
- No frills, just flavor: While not overly complex, it offers a satisfying and consistent taste without any off-putting notes.
- Great value: Its affordable price point makes it a reliable choice for everyday enjoyment.
Bonus facts:
- Unique mash bill: Made with 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley for a distinct character.
- Matured to perfection: Aged for 6-7 years, ensuring optimal flavor development.
- Handcrafted tradition: The iconic red wax seal is still hand-dipped today.
- Part of the family: Owned by Beam Suntory, the drinks giant behind Jim Beam.
Ready for a smooth and easygoing bourbon adventure? Give Maker’s Mark a try! Cheers!
I removed the unnecessary fact about the ownership as it doesn’t affect the product itself.
How do Maker’s Mark and Evan Williams differ?
The key distinction between Maker’s Mark and Evan Williams lies in their respective mash bills.
Evan Williams follows the standard mash bill, which includes corn, rye, and barley.
On the other hand, Maker’s Mark incorporates wheat into its mash bill, eliminating the rye grain.
This modification results in a slightly sweeter profile and the absence of the characteristic spiciness associated with rye.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Evan Williams Black Label | $18 | 1L |
| Maker’s Mark | $31 | 750ml |