Makers Mark [whiskey taste #17]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Maker's Mark is not just any bourbon. From its red-wax seal to its unique bottle shape and taste, Maker's Mark is iconic. In fact, in my experience, Maker's Mark completes a type of triad of important whiskeys to keep in my tasting repertoire---the other two being the ultra popular Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam.

Normally before I post any tasting notes I will cross-reference my personal taste impression with tasting notes from various other websites and blogs. However researching Maker's Mark quickly turned from tasting opinions into a history lesson. If you're really interested you can read Maker's Mark entire history here or even more in-depth here or similarly you can learn about the Whiskey Rebellion. The brief story of Maker's Mark is the story of reinventing bourbon in the post-prohibition era, building from a failed brand in the 1950's.

But what makes Maker's so special? For one, the distillery where it is produced dates back to 1805 and most of the original Cyprus (not stainless steel) distillation tanks are in use---Cyprus does not add color or flavor to the final product in the same way a metal tank would. Maker's Mark is produced using iron-free limestone spring water, not city, well, or river. Then Maker's is aged in selected American White Oak barrels. Maker's Mark is one of the few to propagate its own yeast for fermentation with cultures that they can trace back to the pre-prohibition era. Amazing.

OK, OK, so how is the flavor? The first thing you will notice when you pour Maker's into a wide-mouthed glass is the distinct aroma--not strong, but pleasant and enticing. Bryan Carey described its taste better than I ever could, "There is a certain woody character to this whiskey along with caramel and toffee. There is even a touch of vanilla in the background, and it becomes more noticeable in the aftertaste." He adds, "Maker's Mark is certainly alcoholic in taste, but it is smoother than many other whiskey products and less bitter." The best attribute about Maker's is it has plenty of smooth, complex flavors to stand alone for sipping OR it has a unique enough zest to blend well in mixed drink.

A sip of Maker's is a sip of vintage distillation and American tradition.