Larceny Small Batch vs Maker’s Mark

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:36 pm

Discover the differences between Larceny vs Maker’s Mark in this in-depth 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

Larceny vs Maker’s Mark: Comparison

Larceny Small Batch: Features inviting aromas of banana bread, vanilla, and butterscotch, with a palate that includes banana, caramel, and oak. The finish brings caramel and oak spice at 92 proof. It provides a sweet and spicy wheated profile, offering value for its price.

Maker’s Mark: Opens with vanilla and cherry aromas, leading to a palate of vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey. The finish is medium with cherry, vanilla, and a hint of pepper at 90 proof. This bourbon is known for its smoothness and sweet profile, suitable for both beginners and everyday sipping.

Key Difference: Larceny, with a 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% barley mash bill at 92 proof, contrasts subtly with Maker’s Mark’s 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% barley composition at 90 proof, offering unique flavors for each.

Comparison: Both Larceny Small Batch and Maker’s Mark are wheated bourbons, offering a softer and sweeter taste compared to rye-based bourbons. Larceny presents a slightly higher proof and a unique banana bread character, while Maker’s Mark is recognized for its smooth and easy-drinking nature, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: What is Comparable to Maker’s Mark

Larceny: Sweet & Spicy Wheated Delight (without Breaking the Bank)

• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Evan Williams

Take a whiff of Larceny and you’ll find a hint of initial heat mellowing into inviting aromas of banana bread, vanilla, and butterscotch. The first sip might have a kick, but it quickly transforms into a delicious blend of caramel sweetness, more banana bread, and a touch of oak spice.

Imagine a smooth, medium-bodied sip that finishes with a satisfying warmth and lingering sweetness. Want it even smoother? Add a splash of water for an extra sweet and mellow experience.

Here’s the scoop on Larceny:

• Flavor: Sweet wheated bourbon, rich in banana bread, caramel, and oak spice.
• Smoothness: Not the smoothest, but the heat is manageable and water helps.
• Price: Affordable, making it an attractive choice for the price.

Good for:

• Everyday sipping: Enjoyable and accessible for casual drinking.
• Wheated bourbon fans: Offers a classic wheated bourbon profile with a touch of sweetness.
• Budget-conscious bourbon lovers: Delivers good value for its price point.

Not for:

• Smoothness seekers: If you crave ultimate smoothness, there are smoother options.
• Flavor complexity: While tasty, it doesn’t boast the most complex flavor profile.

Larceny facts:

• Aged 6-12 years.
• 93 points from Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
• Top 20 spirits in F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
• Whisky Magazine’s “Best Buy”.
• Named after a bourbon-loving treasury agent with a lockpicking habit.

If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy wheated bourbon that’s easy on the wallet, Larceny is a great choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank.

Maker’s Mark: Sweet, Smooth, and Easygoing

• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Angel’s Envy

Maker’s Mark greets you with a welcoming aroma of vanilla and cherry, with a hint of alcohol that fades as it breathes in the glass. Take a sip, and you’re met with a satisfying mouthfeel carrying familiar flavors of vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey.

The finish is smooth and sweet, with a touch of black pepper spice that’s easily toned down with a drop of water. If you’re feeling nostalgic, that water drop can even transform the taste into a delightful Tootsie Pop experience!

Here’s the deal:

• Flavor: Well-rounded and balanced, with no harsh edges.
• Sweetness: Pleasant sweetness dominates, with minimal spice.
• Body: Medium-bodied, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.

Good for:

• Beginners: Perfect for those new to bourbon or spirits.
• Everyday Sipping: A reliable choice for casual enjoyment.
• Toning it Down: Want less spice? Add a drop of water.

Not for:

• Boldness: If you crave intense flavors, this might be too tame.
• Uniqueness: It’s a solid bourbon, but doesn’t offer unique characteristics.

Maker’s Mark facts:

• Made with 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley.
• Aged 6-7 years, bottled when deemed ready by tasters.
• Uses “whisky” instead of “whiskey” as a nod to Scottish heritage.
• Recognizable red wax seal applied by hand.
• Owned by Beam Suntory, along with Jim Beam.

If you’re looking for a smooth, sweet, and easy-drinking bourbon, Maker’s Mark is a classic choice that won’t disappoint.

What do Larceny and Maker’s Mark have in common?

Maker’s Mark and Larceny are wheated bourbons.

Wheated bourbons offer a softer and gentler flavor profile compared to bourbons that use rye as their secondary grain.

They tend to have a slightly sweeter taste.

While wheated bourbons make for pleasant sippers, they may not be the best choice for mixing cocktails.

This is because they lack the punchy and spicy notes that can enhance the flavor profile of cocktails and make them more enjoyable.

How do Larceny and Maker’s Mark differ?

Larceny is crafted from a mash bill consisting of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley and bottled at 92 proof.

In contrast, Maker’s Mark is made from a mash bill containing 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley and bottled at 90 proof.

While the differences between the two may be subtle, they are enough to create distinct flavor profiles for each bourbon.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Larceny Small Batch	$29
Maker’s Mark	$32