Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 08:32 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 Jameson vs Maker’s Mark in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Whiskey 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
Jameson vs Maker’s Mark: Which to Buy?
Jameson: A classic Irish whiskey with floral, marmalade, and caramel notes. It’s smooth, fruity, and has a medium finish with a hint of spice. Easy to drink and versatile in cocktails, Jameson is a smooth choice for those who appreciate a gentle whiskey experience.
Maker’s Mark: This bourbon boasts vanilla, cherry, and caramel aromas, leading to a sweet palate with a medium finish. It’s exceptionally smooth when a drop of water is added, revealing a candy-like flavor. Maker’s Mark is perfect for sipping and a great introduction for bourbon newcomers.
Verdict: Both Jameson and Maker’s Mark offer smooth, enjoyable experiences with their own unique flavors. Jameson shines in its floral and fruity character, ideal for cocktails. Maker’s Mark’s sweet, vanilla, and cherry notes make it a gentle sipper. Each stands out for its smoothness and accessibility, making both excellent choices for varied palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Jameson: Smooth Irish Whiskey for Sipping and Cocktails
- Nose: Floral, marmalade, caramel
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla
- Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Aroma: Jameson greets you with a blend of floral and sweet notes, like orange marmalade and caramel, with a hint of alcohol.
Taste: Smooth and full-bodied, it offers sweetness and fruity flavors, especially vanilla. However, there’s a subtle metallic note in the finish that adds a unique touch. The finish itself is medium-length, sweet with a hint of black pepper.
More Enjoyable with a Twist: Adding water, ginger ale, or ice can mellow out any strong alcoholic notes and minimize the metallic touch, making it even smoother and more enjoyable. Water especially helps tame the peppery spice.
A Popular Choice: Jameson’s popularity comes from its smoothness, affordability, and versatility in cocktails. It’s a reliable choice for casual drinking or when you want a good value whiskey.
Jameson Facts:
- Made with malted and unmalted barley, aged for at least 4 years.
- Uniquely triple-distilled for extra smoothness.
- Owned by Pernod Ricard, a French company.
- Crafted at the Jameson Distillery in Ireland.
Learn more: Jameson Whiskey Website
Maker’s Mark: Smooth Sipping for Every Day
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, honey
- Finish: Medium, cherry, vanilla, pepper
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Aroma: Maker’s Mark starts with a light touch of vanilla and cherry, subtly opening up with hints of caramel.
Taste: Smooth and sweet, offering notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey, with a touch of breadiness. The finish is moderate, leaving a lingering taste of caramel with minimal spice.
A Watery Twist: Adding a drop of water brings out a playful Tootsie Pop candy-like flavor, making it even smoother and easier to sip.
Perfect for Beginners: This wheated bourbon is known for its gentle and balanced flavor profile, making it a great choice for those new to bourbon or seeking an everyday sipping whiskey.
Mixology Note: While pleasant, Maker’s Mark might not be the strongest option for cocktails due to its subtle nature. Rye whiskeys often offer a bolder flavor profile, better suited for mixed drinks like Old Fashioneds.
Maker’s Mark Unfiltered:
- Mash Bill: 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, 14% malted barley
- Aging: Bottled at the tasters’ discretion, typically around 6-7 years
- “Whisky” vs. “Whiskey”: A nod to the founders’ Scottish heritage
- Red Wax Seal: Hand-dipped for a unique touch
- Owned by: Beam Suntory, a Japanese beverage company
Learn more: Maker’s Mark Website
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Jameson | $31 |
| Maker’s Mark | $32 |
Maker’s Mark vs Jameson: Key Differences
Two distinct whiskeys, two distinct origins: Irish whiskey hails from Ireland, while bourbon calls the United States home.
Grain game: Irish whiskeys like Jameson use a blend of malted and unmalted barley, while bourbon stars at least 51% corn, often with rye, wheat, or malted barley joining the party.
Triple vs. double: Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation for a smooth, light taste, while bourbon’s double distillation delivers a richer, bolder profile.
Aging matters: Bourbon matures in new, charred oak barrels for a deep color and oaky notes. Irish whiskey, on the other hand, often rests in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks, offering diverse flavor nuances.
Flavor profile: Irish whiskey boasts a smooth character with hints of fruit and floral notes. Bourbon showcases robust flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a touch of sweetness and spice.
The perfect choice: Whether you seek the refined elegance of Irish whiskey or the bold personality of bourbon, both offer a unique and delightful whiskey experience.