Review - Maker's Mark

Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery

Owner: Beam Suntory

Type: Straight Bourbon Whisky

Age: Non Age Stated

Proof: 90 / ABV: 45%

I first bought a bottle of Maker’s Mark as a “treat” for myself. It looked classy at a fairly decent price so I purchased it as a way to expand my palate to more “high-end” bourbons. I know many people who purchased their first bottle of Maker’s for the same reason. It seemed like a sensible upgrade from the bottom shelves. This image that the brand carefully cultivated makes this bourbon important to bourbon’s popularity today. But is it really that good or is it all hype? Read my tasting notes below to find out. 

Nose: A very layered cascade of sweet, brown sugar, candy, vanilla flavors. You can feel the proof from the nose as I feel a little tingle in my nose when I smell it. (
Nose Score: 3.5 pts

Palate: The sweetness carries through the palate but not as intense as it was in the nose. The mouthfeel is creamy with notes of ginger and lemon with some light spices rounded out by vanilla and caramel notes. The background has a very subtle whisper of oak. 
Palate Score: 3 pts

Finish: Medium but not abrupt. Faint hints of oak and candied apples come up in the cascading finish. The ginger note from the palate carries through the finish and ends with a slight bitterness. The creamy texture closes out the finish muting the astringency of the alcohol. 
Finish Score: 3 pts

Overall: This is a unique taste profile compared to the standard bourbons. It is not as upfront with the caramel and vanilla. It offers a sweetness that is unique and more intense than the standard bourbon profile. The body is decent but it has some bite that can throw off some of the more subtle notes. This whisky feels thin in the finish with the creaminess trying to come back towards the end of the medium finish. It has some degree of sophistication that will make this bottle a great addition to your home bar. 
Overall Score: 3 pts

At CAD $43 + tax, it is an ok bourbon to have on your shelf. The bottle looks great, the content is decent and it is a great way to get some of your friends started on bourbon. It is smooth and easy to drink and the sweetness usually appeals to a lot of people. 

Total Score: 12.5 pts 

Rating: Buy and share with friends. This bottle is beautiful and iconic - this is enough reason to buy it. The whisky inside has enough sophistication to be a neat drink and will hold up with some water or ice. 

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