Maker's Mark vs Weller Special Reserve: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:27 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 Weller Special Reserve 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

Maker’s Mark vs Weller Special Reserve Comparison

Maker’s Mark: A welcoming bourbon with vanilla and cherry on the nose, leading to a palate of vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey. The finish is medium with a satisfying balance of cherry, vanilla, and a hint of pepper at 90 proof, making it an ideal choice for beginners or for everyday enjoyment.

Weller Special Reserve: Offers a sweet aroma of maple, apple, and oak, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice on the palate. The finish brings old leather and cinnamon, providing a smooth yet subtly spicy experience at 90 proof.

Something to Know: Weller Special Reserve and Maker’s Mark, featuring around 15% wheat in their mash bills, provide a softer, sweeter flavor compared to those that carry rye in the mash.

Verdict: Both Maker’s Mark and Weller Special Reserve provide smooth, approachable experiences with their own unique twists, catering to those who appreciate a sweeter bourbon profile with hints of spice and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Maker’s Mark: Smooth Sipper for Bourbon Beginners and Everyday Enjoyment

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: Angel’s Envy

Maker’s Mark welcomes you with a gentle aroma: vanilla and cherry sweetness gradually emerge after an initial alcoholic note fades. It’s inviting and approachable, like a friendly neighbor.

Take a sip, and prepare for a classic bourbon experience. Vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey dance on your palate, creating a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. Think warm cookies and a hint of fruit.

The finish is moderate: pleasant sweetness lingers, with minimal warmth and a touch of black pepper spice. It’s balanced and easy to enjoy.

Want to explore further? Add a drop of water, and you might be surprised! The flavors transform into a Tootsie Pop-like sweetness, making it even smoother and more approachable.

So, is it good? Absolutely! Maker’s Mark might not be the most complex bourbon out there, but it delivers on the essentials: a smooth, balanced, and enjoyable sipping experience.

Here’s what makes it special:

Friendly aroma: Vanilla, cherry, and subtle alcohol.
Classic bourbon flavors: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey.
Smooth and satisfying mouthfeel: Easy to drink and enjoy.
Moderate finish: Sweetness with a touch of spice.
Water unlocks Tootsie Pop sweetness: Makes it even smoother.

If you’re new to bourbon or looking for a reliable “everyday whisky”, Maker’s Mark is a great choice. It’s well-rounded, easy to drink, and won’t overpower your palate.

P.S. This bourbon also shines in cocktails, where its smooth profile can complement bolder flavors. But for a pure bourbon experience, give it a try neat or on the rocks.

Weller Special Reserve: Wheaty Delight with a Hint of Spice

Nose: Maple, apple, leather, oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice
Finish: Old leather, cinnamon, oak
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Woodford Reserve Wheat

Weller Special Reserve entices with a sweet aroma: imagine maple honey drizzled on crisp apples, with a hint of aged leather and oak in the background. It’s smooth and inviting, like a warm autumn day.

Take a sip, and prepare for a flavor explosion. First, caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon dance on your tongue. Then, dark chocolate and citrus join the party, adding depth and complexity. It’s like a delicious dessert in a glass.

The finish is warming and pleasant, leaving your mouth slightly dry. But don’t worry, lingering notes of leather, spicy cinnamon candy, and oak keep you coming back for more.

Is it good? Absolutely! Weller Special Reserve is smooth and easy to drink, even neat. It embodies the wheated bourbon sweetness you crave, with a touch of spice to keep things interesting.

Here’s what makes it special:

Sweet and inviting aroma: Hints of maple, apple, leather, and oak.
Layered flavors: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, citrus, and more.
Warming finish with lingering spice: Satisfying and complex.
Wheated bourbon character: Smooth and sweet, perfect for sipping.

It might not be the fullest-bodied bourbon out there, but it still delivers a satisfying pour.

Want to explore further? Add a drop of water to unlock even more sweetness and oak.

P.S. This bourbon is also great in cocktails, but its unique flavors really shine when sipped neat or on the rocks.

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

Both Weller Special Reserve and Maker’s Mark incorporate a moderate proportion of wheat, approximately 15%, in their mash bills.

Wheated bourbons, characterized by this higher wheat content, offer a softer and more delicate flavor profile in comparison to bourbons that use rye as their secondary grain.

This wheat component imparts a slightly sweeter taste to the whiskey, contributing to its overall flavor profile.