Maker’s Mark is one of the most recognizable bottles in the market because of its red wax seal.
But more than that, the brand takes it very seriously to produce the best quality bourbons.
Every bottle of Maker’s Mark has its spotlight and has proven itself in the bourbon industry.
In this article, we will rank its core line of bourbon bottles, including its limited series and private selections.
So, what’s the best Maker’s Mark whisky bottle? Read on to find out.
Top 7 Best Makers Mark Bottles Ranked
7. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 BRT-01
Average Price: Around $79 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 54.7% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark BRT-01 is one of the Maker’s Mark wood finish series, highlighting the brand’s consistent practice of hand-barrel rotation process.
BRT-01 release uses American oak staves to get hold of the complex flavors of bourbon.
Sweet caramel and vanilla aroma, wood notes, and a hint of sweet spice will welcome your nose.
It has a surprisingly bright, fruity flavor on the palate with a layer of spice.
Before finishing a glass, you might encounter its bold rickhouse-side profile, yet it’s still manageable on the palate.
6. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 BRT-02
Average Price: Around $76 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 54.7% ABV
Why We Like It: Unlike BRT-01, Maker’s Mark BRT-02 uses French oak staves and expresses the cooler and lower parts of the rickhouse [1], making the bourbon’s profile lighter.
This wood-finishing series from Maker’s Mark still has the sweet vanilla and caramelized brown sugar notes but has more nuttiness with a cloud of oaky vanilla on the nose.
On the palate, it starts with the signature soft fruitless of Maker’s Mark but has a little woody cast in the middle.
Its brown sugar flavor balances and enhance the bourbon flavor over time.
5. Maker’s Mark Classic
Average Price: Around $31 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark bourbon is one of Kentucky’s classic wheated bourbons. [2]
Its bourbon is known for being handmade—the barrels are rotated manually for its flavor consistency.
Maker’s Mark’s smooth, one-of-a-kind flavor profile is never bitter or sharp. It uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye and ages its bourbon to taste, not time.
4. Maker’s Mark 101
Average Price: Around $43 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark 101 bourbon whisky was originally released as a travel retail exclusive expression, only available to special visitors at its distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
This high-proof bourbon has sweet notes and a deep aroma of oak spices.
“Maker’s Mark 101 represents a world first for the brand – an expression exclusive to the travel retail channel.”
– Ed Stening, Beam Suntory Global Marketing Director
Maker’s Mark 101 has a notably dark spice, with a peppery kick and woody oak flavor on the palate.
But despite its high alcohol content, this Maker’s Mark 101 unique expression is still approachable because of its strong sweet and fruity notes that balance its spiciness.
3. Maker’s Mark 46
Average Price: Around $42 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark 46 uses French oak staves, where its name originated.
It is a legacy recipe from Bill Samuels, Jr, the son of the founder of Maker’s Mark.
The number 46 on its name is the profile number or the charring rate added during its wood-finishing experiments in virgin French oak staves.
This unique expression is believed to age longer, resulting in a more complex rounded profile and layered bourbon notes, but with low to no bitterness of typically aged bourbons.
2. Maker’s Mark Private Selection
Average Price: Around $73 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: Ranging from 54%-57% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark Private Selection is a continuation of the wood-finishing series and the brand’s new take on its Maker’s Mark 46.
It has many possible expressions and bold flavors.
This Private Selection uses five different toasted wood types and could make over a thousand possible combinations to build its bourbon flavor.
Also, Maker’s Mark Private Selection has an additional nine weeks of aging in a one-of-a-kind limestone cellar that finishes at a cooler temperature and is bottled at cask strength.
1. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Average Price: Around $52 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: Ranging from 54%-57% ABV
Why We Like It: This Maker’s Mark Cask Strength bourbon whisky expression is not for bourbon starters but for bourbon enthusiasts that are into bolder and higher-proof bourbons.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength bourbon is made in its purest form, uncut, and not diluted with water.
But surprisingly, it has sweet caramel notes, vanilla, and lots of oak aroma.
It has a robust profile, warm texture, and dry nuttiness, roasted oak with notes of caramel and vanilla, but it is not funky or grainy like other young uncut bourbons.
FAQs
Which Maker’s Mark bottle is rare?
Maker’s Mark 101 bottle is rare because they offer this bottle release for a limited time. But its wood finishing series are also becoming rare because of the limited number of bottles released.
Is Maker’s Mark a true bourbon?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is a true bourbon. It passes the requirements that make bourbon, such as having at least 51% corn on its mash and aged in a new oak barrel for at least two years.
Is Maker’s Mark good for beginners?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is good for beginners. Its Kentucky straight bourbon expression has a light flavor profile with low to no sharp flavor, making it bourbon-friendly.
Is Maker’s Mark expensive?
No, Maker’s Mark is not generally expensive, especially its classic Kentucky straight bourbon. However, buying a private selection or limited-edition series from Maker’s Mark might be expensive.
What makes Maker’s Mark one of the best bourbons?
Maker’s Mark is considered one of the best bourbons due to its carefully crafted recipe, aging process, and commitment to quality, resulting in a consistently delicious whiskey.
What flavors can I expect from Maker’s Mark?
Maker’s Mark offers flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, with a balanced sweetness and smooth finish, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.
Are there different expressions of Maker’s Mark available?
Yes, Maker’s Mark offers various expressions, including the classic Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Maker’s 46, and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, each offering unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
How should I enjoy Maker’s Mark?
Maker’s Mark can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, allowing you to savor its rich flavors and smooth texture.
Is Maker’s Mark suitable for gifting?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is an excellent choice for gifting due to its iconic branding, high-quality whiskey, and wide appeal, making it a thoughtful and appreciated gift for bourbon lovers.
Final Verdict
Aside from its hand-dipped wax seal, Maker’s Mark is immensely popular and cherished for its sweet caramel traces and vanilla essence from its redefined family recipe.
These wheated bourbons, with its redefined family recipe, have brought all its product lines into the limelight—from its smooth, creamy bourbon to uncut, cask-strength bourbons.
The best way to get to know an expression of Maker’s Mark is with a bottle of your own, and any of these top-ranked Maker’s Mark bourbon is a great place to start.
References:
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/maker-mark-adds-2-limited-192211706.html#
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2018/05/18/is-wheated-whiskey-the-next-big-thing-in-bourbon/
