Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Review
Founded in 1889, Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whiskey distilled in Loretto Kentucky. The Maker’s Mark brand is a fairly well marketed branding which may give new consumers pause, many big market brands spend more money on marketing than product taste. Maker’s Mark, however, breaks the mold by creating a cost effective tasting experience.
Maker’s Mark puts most of their marketing effort into their 90-Proof (45% ABV) bottled bourbon. You’ll also find Maker’s Mark being one of the few American Whiskey brands that utilize the Scotch “Whisky” spelling–often times this tells about the roots of the company (Scottish roots lean towards Scottish spelling).
Smell: Brown Sugar, Oak, Cinnamon with the burn of alcohol mingled in the sweetness.
Taste: Smooth and dry light bodied (a bit watery) with dark charred oaks and an intense alcoholic burn.
Cost: For a brand with lots of market momentum the cost is very affordable at USD $22.99 (in our area). The flavors are well worth the cost in our opinion.
Combined Rating:
- Smell: 4.0 / 5.0
- Taste: 4.0 / 5.0
- Cost: 5.0 / 5.0
- End Score: 4.3 / 5.0
Summary: We found, in our blind tastings, that the Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark are at the same level of competitive taste, cost and nose. Thankfully, both bring their own unique flavors so separate them from being too like in properties. The Maker’s Mark brings more charred oaks while the Buffalo Trace takes on a bit more spice so it’s important to taste them both for yourself and make a final decision. The cost is affordable and the flavors are memorable and that’s very much all you need for a good core spirit.
