George Dickel No. 12 vs Maker’s Mark

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:54 pm

Discover the differences between George Dickel No. 12 vs Maker’s Mark in a head-to-head 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

George Dickel 12 vs Maker’s Mark: Comparison

George Dickel No. 12: Smooth Tennessee whiskey with notes of corn, vanilla, and a hint of banana. Offers a warm, caramel and toasted oak finish. Ideal for a sweet, smooth sip.

Maker’s Mark: Smooth bourbon with a wheated mash bill for a sweeter profile. Features vanilla, caramel, and cherry flavors with a medium pepper finish. Great for easy drinking or cocktails.

Verdict: George Dickel No. 12 and Maker’s Mark both offer smooth, sweet whiskey experiences. Dickel provides a unique Tennessee charm, while Maker’s Mark delivers a soft, approachable bourbon, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Bourbons for Sipping under $30

George Dickel No. 12: A Tennessee Treat, Sweet & Smooth

• Nose: Corn, vanilla, banana, ethanol
• Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, pie crust
• Finish: Caramel, oak spice, toasted oak
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Wild Turkey 101

Hold your horses, partner! While George Dickel No. 12 boasts its own charm, claiming superiority over the iconic Jack Daniel’s No. 7 might raise some eyebrows. Let’s explore its unique character and let individual palates decide!

Sweet Southern Charm:

George Dickel No. 12 embraces Tennessee charm with its unique filtration process, similar to Jack’s but offering its own twist. The aroma is a sweet symphony of corn and fried banana, with a touch of warmth.

Flavor Fiesta:

Take a sip and feel the gentle heat give way to a delightful dance of sweetness and spice. Vanilla takes center stage, harmonizing with oak notes for a well-rounded character.

Linger Long Finish:

The finish is like a Southern sunset, long and warm. Caramel, oak, and toasted notes linger, leaving a satisfying aftertaste.

Flinstones Flashback?

Now, some folks might detect a hint of Flinstones Vitamins. We won’t lie, it’s there, but subtle and doesn’t overpower the experience. Especially considering the wallet-friendly price tag, it’s easily forgiven.

Beyond the Bottle:

• Made with 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% barley.
• “No. 12” doesn’t indicate age, usually around 5 years.
• Won gold at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Owned by Diageo, home to Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, and more.

The Verdict:

George Dickel No. 12 offers a smooth, sweet journey with a touch of Southern spice. It’s a solid choice for approachable sipping and might surprise you with its complexity. Remember, taste is subjective, so saddle up and try it for yourself!

Maker’s Mark: Unveiling a Smooth & Approachable Bourbon

• Nose: Acetone, 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: Gentleman Jack

Maker’s Mark isn’t your typical bourbon. It sets itself apart with a unique wheated mash bill, replacing the usual rye with soft red wheat. This leads to a smoother, sweeter experience, perfect for both seasoned drinkers and curious newcomers.

Intriguing Aroma & Flavor:

Take a whiff and you might be surprised! A touch of nail polish (don’t worry, it fades quickly) gives way to enticing notes of vanilla, cherry, and even caramel.

The first sip is a delight. Vanilla, caramel, and honey dance on your tongue, leaving a smooth, satisfying mouthfeel. The finish is short and sweet, with a gentle black pepper tingle.

Spice it Up (or Not):

A single drop of water unlocks a hidden gem: a Tootsie Pop-like sweetness. This also tones down the pepper, making it even smoother.

Perfect for Every Palate:

Maker’s Mark might not be the loudest bourbon on the shelf, but it shines with its balanced flavor and approachable smoothness. It’s an excellent starting point for bourbon newbies or a reliable everyday sipper for those who prefer a mellow experience.

However, if you’re a cocktail crafter seeking bold flavors, classic rye whiskeys might be a better fit. They pack a punch that wheated bourbons, like Maker’s Mark, simply can’t match in some classics like the Old Fashioned.

Maker’s Mark in a Nutshell:

• Unique wheated mash bill for a smooth, sweet taste
• Vanilla, caramel, and honey notes with a hint of black pepper
• Enjoy neat, with a drop of water, or in cocktails (except maybe the Old Fashioned)
• Great for beginners or everyday sipping

Bonus Facts:

• Made with 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley
• Aged between 6 and 7 years, based on taste, not a set timer
• Distinctive red wax seal dipped by hand
• Owned by Beam Suntory, along with Jim Beam

So, if you’re looking for a smooth, approachable bourbon to explore, give Maker’s Mark a try. It might just be your new favorite everyday sip.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
George Dickel 12	$20
Maker’s Mark	$23

Neither George Dickel nor Maker’s Mark use “E” in Whiskey

Whiskey is spelled with a “E” in the United States but neither George Dickel nor Maker’s Mark use it as they are labeled as “Whisky”.

George Dickel was a german immigrant who decided to spell it as the Scots do as he was convinced his whiskies where just as good.

Maker’s Mark was created by Bill Samuels who was of Scottish heritage and decided to make the Maker’s look Scottish.

George Dickel is a Tennesse Whiskey and Maker’s Mark a Bourbon

Both whiskeys require the same corn percentage in the mashbill (at least 51%) and must be aged in new charred oak barrels.

The main difference is that Tennessee whiskey must go through a charcoal filtering process, which mellows the whiskey’s character. For that reason, bourbon is often but not always bolder and has a more robust flavor.