Maker's Mark: Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Type:Makers Mark

Brand:Whiskey

Year/Specialty:Kentucky straight Bourbon

Cost:$25.00 - $33.00 U.S.

A little History:

William Samuels Sr. purchased the then “Burks’ Distillery” in 1953 and subsequently made his first bottle of Makers Mark in 1958.Since then the same type of bottle and the signature red wax on the cap area has been produced, making the brand recognizable around the world.Although the company has been sold multiple times, the head of the brand has not changed from the Samuels’ for three generations, and has seen success with promoting their brand beyond just the bottle.They have successfully created a Bourbon House & Lounge in three areas including Louisville Kentucky, Kansas City Missouri, and Shelbyville Indiana.

A little Geography:

Maker’s Mark distillery is located in Loretto Kentucky, the furthest south of the distilleries on the “Bourbon Trail.”Loretto is by far a town made and kept by the distillery, they are fiercely protective of their brand, with a right to be.KY is known for having a verity of temperature and seasonal changes that allows for the need to change positions of barrels more than other area’s known for making whiskey.

A little Science:

Makers Mark has one particular variable that make it unique amongst other bourbon distillers.First though let’s understand what makes bourbon, well bourbon.Like scotch that has a legal definition within Scotland; bourbon does in the United States.To be considered bourbon, the mash bill (mixture of grain) must be at least 51% corn, however most distillers use above 70% for their profile.To be considered “straight bourbon” distilled spirits must be aged in new charred white oak barrels for at least two years.Also, they are not allowed to accede 160 proof at fermentation, and 125 proof in the barrel.Although this is not a legal requirement, most bourbon is made in a particular type of still called a “column still.”Column stills are a very technical process that allows a distillery the ability to continuously create their spirits at a very controlled rate.

What makes Makers Mark unique is their use of wheat in their mash (specifically soft winter wheat) that creates a supposed softer tone.One other thing that makes it unique (although this could be said of others as well) is that they do not stamp ages on their labels.The reason for this is that they are looking for a particular favor profile that is not limited by an age.

Let’s take a drink:

On the nose this is a moderately sweet smelling bourbon with a slight spiciness towards the end, it is not overly pungent, and well balanced.First taste, the front end it is very smooth, there is a deep spice that comes in almost immediately as it hits the back of the pallet with an earthy tone.The aftertaste is full of sweet aroma and spice, just as the smell, this is a well balanced bourbon.

Who may like this drink:

You like a good heavy corn mash bourbon but don’t want the harsh or overbearing aftertaste of some that use rye.

Who may not like this drink:

You like the abundance of powerful tones with a lot of spice to your bourbon.

References:

Cornell University Law School (2016). 27 CFR 5.22 – The Standards of Identity. Retrieved fromhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/5.22

Kentucky Bourbon Trail (2016). Map. Retrieved from http://kybourbontrail.com/map/

Makers Mark (2016). FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.makersmark.com/faq

Whisky.com (2016). Bourbon – Grain Selection and Mixtures (Mash Bill). Retrieved from https://www.whisky.com/information/knowledge/production/overview/how-bourbon-whiskey-is-made/bourbon-grain-selection-and-mixture-mash-bill.html

Whiskey.com (2016). Maker’s Mark. Retrieved from https://www.whisky.com/whisky-database/distilleries/details/fdb/Distilleries/Details//makers-mark.html