Maker's Mark vs Rebel Yell: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:02 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 Maker’s Mark vs Rebel Yell in this 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

Maker’s Mark vs Rebel Yell: Comparison

Maker’s Mark: A gentle blend of vanilla, caramel, and cherry with a medium finish of cherry, vanilla, and a hint of pepper. Ideal for bourbon beginners.

Rebel Yell: Sweet aromas of apple and pear, with a palate that mixes vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, and oak spice, and a warm, spicy finish. Suited for cocktails.

Verdict: Maker’s Mark offers a welcoming entry into bourbon with its smooth and sweet profile, perfect for those new to the spirit or looking for an easy sipper. Rebel Yell presents a sweet and spicy combination, appealing to those who enjoy a bourbon that’s versatile in cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Maker’s Mark: Smooth Starts, Sweet Sips for Bourbon Beginners

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: Wild Turkey Longbranch

Intriguing Introduction: The first sniff might surprise with a hint of nail polish, but Maker’s Mark quickly warms up with inviting notes of vanilla and cherry, promising a smooth journey ahead.

Pleasing Palate: On the tongue, it delivers a delightful dance of flavors: vanilla, caramel, and hints of cherry and honey swirl together, creating a satisfyingly full mouthfeel.

Sweet Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, leaving sweet traces without overwhelming warmth. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick.

Unlock the Tootsie Pop: Add a drop of water to unlock a hidden treat! The taste transforms into a delightful reminder of a Tootsie Pop, further smoothing out the experience.

Perfect for Beginners: With its bready warmth, balanced sweetness, and easy-drinking nature, Maker’s Mark is an excellent choice for anyone new to bourbon or seeking an approachable sipper.

Maker’s Mark Facts:

Crafted with 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley for a unique flavor profile.
Aged between 6 and 7 years, ensuring consistent quality but with a touch of handcrafted charm.
One of the few American “whiskies” instead of “whiskeys,” paying homage to the founder’s Scottish roots.
Recognized by its iconic red wax seal, dipped by hand for an added touch of tradition.
Part of the Beam Suntory family, but crafted with its own distinct personality separate from Jim Beam.

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned sipper seeking a smooth experience, Maker’s Mark deserves a spot on your shelf.

Rebel Yell Bourbon: Sweetness with Spice

Nose: Ripe fruit, apple, pear
Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, oak spice
Finish: Warm, chocolate, almond, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Ezra Brooks

A Fruity First Impression: Rebel Yell greets your nose with a pleasant aroma of fresh apple and pear, offering a sweet and inviting start.

The Palate’s Puzzle: While the nose entices, the taste presents a different story. Rebel Yell feels thin and watery on the tongue, with subdued flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel struggling to emerge. A bittersweet oak spice kicks in, leaving a lingering warmth.

Spice Takes Center Stage: The finish is long and warming, but dominated by the oak spice, overshadowing subtle hints of chocolate and almond. Adding a touch of ice can help tame the spice and bring out the vanilla and caramel notes, making it more enjoyable.

Room for Improvement: Overall, Rebel Yell struggles to impress. It feels hotter than its 80-proof suggests and lacks the body for a satisfying sip. The harsh spice notes might not be for everyone.

Beyond the Basics:

No age statement, but the recipe dates back to the mid-19th century.
Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley.
Crafted at Heaven Hill Distillery alongside renowned brands like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams.

While Rebel Yell might not be a top shelf contender, it can be an affordable option for casual sippers or mixing in cocktails, especially with a touch of ice to balance the spice.

What do Maker’s Mark and Rebel Yell have in common?

Both the Maker’s Mark and Rebel Yell are wheated bourbons

Wheated bourbons are those that use wheat as a secondary gran behind corn as opposed to rye.

This type of bourbon is generally sweeter and smoother as rye adds a distinctive spicy and grassy note the the spirit.

Pappy Van Winkle and Weller are the most popular bourbons in this category, while Larceny is s solid option for those who are not willing to spend top-dollar.