Angel’s Envy vs Maker’s Mark Bourbons: Which is Better?
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Angel’s Envy or Maker’s Mark — which can provide a great whiskey experience? Are their prices reasonable for what they can offer?
These are two of the most popular brands among the Kentucky straight bourbons. While they each have huge fanbases, it can be hard to tell which is the better choice.
So let’s clear things out, and make a quick comparison between Angel’s Envy vs Maker’s Mark.
Face Off: Maker’s Mark vs Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Maker’s Mark is one of the best-selling whiskies—an all-rounder and enjoyable bourbon.
We like how it’s not overpowering and has no offensive notes or flavor. It’s nicely balanced, too.
We find this an entry-level bottle– ideal for anyone new to bourbon or looking for an unchallenging sipper.
On the other hand, Angel’s Envy is a teenage rebel– not your ordinary top-shelf bourbon.
We like how it carries the sweetness (no other bourbon has), along with its smoothness and very little heat.
It’s an easy drink, actually, with a decent body and a balance of flavors. We’ll recommend this bourbon to anyone looking for something new to try.
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Produced at Angel’s Envy Distillery, Angel’s Envy is made with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, then aged for 4-6 years in American white oak barrels.
What’s interesting is its double-maturation, where the spirit is aged for up to six months more in Port wine barrels to finish aging.
After blending and aging, it’s bottled at 86-proof.
Due to its unique production process, we’re impressed with how this bourbon delivers its unique flavor profile. As we sip, we get the following tasting notes:
| Nose | Scents of chocolate, coconut, and vanilla |
| Palate | Notes of bread, caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla |
| Color | Gold |
| Finish | Long, smooth, and sweet with hints of baking spice and toasted oak |
| How It’s Served | Neat |
| Comparable To | Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve |
Fun Facts
- Lincoln Henderson is behind the blend of Angel’s Envy, who also blended Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve.
- Angel’s Envy uses 60-gallon port barrels sourced straight from Portugal.
- Since its 2011 launch, Angel’s Envy has expanded its distribution to 50 states in the US. In 2020, the brand started international sales in Singapore, Australia, the UK, and Canada.
Maker’s Mark Whisky
Produced at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon (wheat replaces rye) as its mash bill is composed of 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley.
After double-distillation at copper stills, it aged for 6-7 years in charred oak barrels before being bottled at 90-proof (45% ABV).
“Maker’s reputation in my bar is pretty high class. When someone walks into Anvil and doesn’t recognize a lot of the labels, they are likely going to turn to Maker’s. It’s always been a very approachable whiskey — but it does have character.”
– Alba Huerta, Author/Female Mixologist
For this reason, we like how it ends up with a sweeter and smoother spirit compared to classic bourbons. It has the usual flavors, and we get the following tasting notes:
| Nose | Aromas of caramel, fruity notes, and vanilla |
| Palate | Notes of baking spice, bread-like flavor, nuts, and slightly sweet hints |
| Color | Deep copper |
| Finish | Medium-length and smooth with hints of honey and spice |
| How It’s Served | On the rocks, with water |
| Comparable To | Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, and Weller |
Fun Facts
- Maker’s Mark is an American whiskey brand, but it uses the term “whisky” rather than “whiskey” due to the founder’s Scottish roots.
- Bottles of Maker’s Mark are unique due to their red wax seal [1], and the labels are manually printed, which are all handmade until today.
- It is owned by a Japanese giant, Beam Suntory, which also manages Jim Beam.
Angel’s Envy vs Maker’s Mark Price Comparison
For drinkers looking for cheaper spirits, Maker’s Mark Whisky is a good choice. It’s affordable and will surely suit any budget.
Angel’s Envy can be quite pricey for some since it’s twice as much as Maker’s Mark.
However, the price is worth it as Angel’s Envy has the “quality” and “profile” anybody could ask for a spirit.
| Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Maker’s Mark Whisky | |
| Average Price | $49.99 | $21 |
**Prices are based on the estimated manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) and may vary per liquor store.
FAQs
Are Angel’s Envy and Maker’s Mark whisky top-shelf bourbons?
Angel’s Envy is a top-shelf bourbon [2], while Maker’s Mark is a mid-shelf bottle. However, due to the specialty of how Maker’s Mark is produced and bottled, some whiskey enthusiasts consider it in the top-shelf category.
Which is better served on the rocks, Angel’s Envy or Maker’s Mark?
Maker’s Mark is better served on the rocks. Adding ice over Maker’s Mark won’t mask the flavors within, and it tones down some bold, spicy notes, making it a good sipper.
In A Nutshell
Regarding the overall experience, Angel’s Envy brings the smoother feel we’re looking for in a bourbon whiskey.
The pleasant aroma, palate, and finish make up for the lack of body.
Angel’s Envy hits differently; it has unusual notes we can’t easily find in other bourbon expressions.
Though it lacks proof, it’s an enjoyable drink you’d want to sip more.
Maker’s Mark is quite good, too. But setting aside its meticulous production process, it’s just a simple wheated bourbon.
Since it’s cheaper, it’s a good whisky for an everyday drink.
References:
- https://nation.time.com/2013/02/12/makers-mark-waters-down-its-whisky-and-anger-rises/
- https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/shopping/three-top-shelf-bourbons-wow-dad-father-day/SZ13xiB89hYWzDCQiozHhJ/
