Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Have you run out of Maker’s Mark? Or you’ve exhausted all of the brands’ expressions? Regardless of your reason, it’s best to know some bourbon similar to Maker’s Mark.
If you’re looking for good and better alternatives to extend your horizon, this list is especially for you.
Keep scrolling and check out the best bottles aside from your usual Maker’s Mark.
Top 16 Alternative Bourbons To Maker’s Mark
16. Maker’s Mark 101
Average Price: approx. $44/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: You won’t have to go further as Maker’s Mark 101 is a good expression similar to the regular Maker’s Mark.
It’s just that – this 101 is more high-proof, meaning less dilution before being bottled, than the standard Maker’s.
For those who like bold and rich-tasting notes, 101 is a better choice. It gives warmth but is not too intense for a 101-proof spirit, making it an easy sipper.
15. Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked
Average Price: approx. $43/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: This Maker’s Mark 46 is almost identical to the Maker’s Mark Bourbon.
The only difference is that the 46 version is entirely aged, cask strength, and is inserted with French oak staves when finishing aging.
So there’s an extra oaky flavor to the spirit while providing more vanilla and a level-up variation of the good ole Maker’s Mark bourbon.
14. Wild Turkey 101-Proof
Average Price: approx. $25/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: For a change, try Wild Turkey 101 instead of Maker’s Mark if you want to explore high-proof spirits. The kick of alcohol is more noticeable here than in Makers.
Also, in terms of complexity, experienced drinkers will like Wild Turkey’s profile, while beginners will still appreciate Maker’s Mark.
13. Weller Special Reserve
Average Price: approx. $40/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: We like the smoothness and sweetness of the Weller Special Reserve, which we genuinely expect in a wheated bourbon.
However, in terms of the body, Maker’s Mark is still the standard of wheat.
But overall, this Special Reserve from Weller is a satisfying pour, highlighted by the oak notes.
12. Weller Antique 107
Average Price: approx. $50/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 53.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Another fabulous creation from Weller is this Antique 107. It’s nicely balanced, filled with delicious flavors and some warmth.
If you like drinking whiskey with a drop of water, you’ll like Weller Antique 107 better than Maker’s Mark.
The addition of water makes Weller tastier compared to the overwhelming notes of MM.
11. Redemption Wheated
Average Price: approx. $45/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 48% ABV
Why We Like It: When it comes to the wheat mash content, Redemption has the edge as it contains 45% winter wheat compared to the less than 20% of Maker’s Mark.
This makes Redemption a great alternative to Maker’s Mark. Also, Redemption has peppery notes you can’t find in Maker’s Mark.
10. Rebel Yell
Average Price: approx. $18/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Rebel Yell is the least popular on this list, but it goes straight to this due to its full body and well-rounded flavors close to Maker’s Mark.
This is also a wheated bourbon like Maker’s, but what’s interesting is it’s more budget-friendly, yet it has the potential to stand side-by-side with MM and other well-known spirits on this list.
9. Old Grand Dad Bonded
Average Price: approx. $12/3750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: You’d be surprised to see Old Grand Dad Bonded on this list, similar to Maker’s Mark, but it is. We like how it looks classy, like Maker’s Mark.
Both are budget-friendly whiskeys yet good in their own way. We prefer Old Grand Dad for mixing and Makers for sipping.
8. Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $70/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Old Elk is an excellent alternative to Maker’s Mark in terms of warmth and earthy flavors. If you’re a fan of wood or oak notes, go for Old Elk than Maker’s Mark.
“Old Elk is “The Real McCoy” of a wheat whiskey.’
— Greg Metze, Master Distiller
Both have the right sweet notes and the standard wheated bourbon flavors.
However, if you like some more warmth or heat, Old Elk can give you that experience.
7. Larceny Small Batch
Average Price: approx. $30/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: The most similar to Maker’s Mark is the Larceny Small Batch. Both use wheat as the secondary grain and are in the same price range.
Although it’s as smoother and sweeter as Maker’s Mark, the wheated bourbon character is clearly noticeable.
We like the sweet finish with a bit of warmth that’s so satisfying.
6. Jim Beam Black
Average Price: approx. $22/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Jim Beam Black is thick and hearty and doesn’t have intense flavors. It looks more sophisticated than Maker’s Mark yet more affordable.
Maker’s Mark is higher in proof (at 90-proof) than JM Black (at 86-proof).
If you’re into high-proofs, you’d hesitate to switch to Jim Beam from Makers. But considering the price, Jim is an excellent alternative to Makers.
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Average Price: approx. $30/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Nice for an afternoon drink, Four Roses Small Batch is something you’d want to grab when eating BBQ.
While Maker’s Mark suits well with chocolates, Four Roses are best when paired with smoky dishes.
4. Evan Williams Single Barrel
Average Price: approx. $27/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: If you can’t move on from the Maker’s Mark red wax seal [1], don’t worry; Evan Williams has the black seal.
But for a change, instead of sweet notes, why not opt for spicy notes?
While Evan Williams and Maker’s Mark has similarities in terms of packaging and price point, the former can give a remarkable spicy yet tasty profile, which you can’t find in the latter.
3. Elijah Craig 12-Year
Average Price: approx. $40/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Looking for a satisfying, firm expression perfect for the cold weather? Then try Elijah Craig 12-Year if you run out of Maker’s.
The charred oak barrels’ aging process gives Elijah Craig more flavor and warmth. While Maker’s Mark is on the sweeter notes, Elijah is on the oak with vanilla flavors.
2. Woodford Reserve Wheat
Average Price: approx. $34.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Woodford Reserve Wheat contains 52% wheat in its mash, greater than the wheat mash of Maker’s Mark (less than 20%).
The smooth and refreshing taste of the Woodford Wheat highlights the hint of apple and vanilla.
It’s a good sipper, though it’s more robust than the flavor notes of Maker’s Mark.
1. Bulleit
Average Price: approx. $33/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Unlike Maker’s, Bulleit is more expensive, but it’s still an excellent value for a sweet and subtle bourbon.
In short, this is a level-up substitute for Maker’s Mark.
Though both are delicious, sweet, and warm, there’s something with Bulleit [2] that makes you feel it’s extraordinary —and that’s sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What bourbon whiskey is similar to Maker’s Mark?
If you enjoy Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, you might find that other wheated bourbons offer similar flavor profiles and characteristics. Some bourbon whiskey brands that are often considered similar to Maker’s Mark include:
W.L. Weller Special Reserve: W.L. Weller bourbons share a similar mash bill to Maker’s Mark, featuring a high wheat content that contributes to a smooth and mellow flavor profile. W.L. Weller Special Reserve is known for its balanced sweetness and hints of oak and spice.
Larceny Bourbon: Larceny Bourbon is another wheated bourbon that offers a smooth and approachable taste profile similar to Maker’s Mark. It is known for its notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a slightly sweet and creamy finish.
Rebel Yell Bourbon: Rebel Yell Bourbon is crafted with a mash bill containing wheat, corn, and malted barley, resulting in a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon with a hint of sweetness. It shares some similarities with Maker’s Mark in terms of flavor profile and overall appeal.
While these bourbons may share similarities with Maker’s Mark, each brand has its own unique characteristics and flavor nuances. Exploring different wheated bourbons can be an enjoyable way to discover new favorites while still satisfying your preference for the smooth and approachable taste of Maker’s Mark.
What is close to Maker’s Mark?
Several bourbons share similarities with Maker’s Mark in terms of flavor profile, smoothness, and overall appeal. Some brands that are often considered close to Maker’s Mark include W.L. Weller Special Reserve, Larceny Bourbon, and Rebel Yell Bourbon.
These bourbons are all crafted with a significant proportion of wheat in their mash bills, resulting in smooth and mellow flavor profiles with hints of sweetness and spice.
While each brand has its own unique characteristics, fans of Maker’s Mark may find these bourbons to be enjoyable alternatives.
What type of bourbon is Maker’s Mark?
Maker’s Mark is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is known for its distinctive flavor profile and iconic red wax seal. It is classified as a wheated bourbon, meaning that it contains a higher proportion of wheat in its mash bill compared to traditional bourbon recipes, which typically use rye as a secondary grain.
Maker’s Mark is crafted with a mash bill consisting of approximately 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley.
This unique mash bill contributes to Maker’s Mark’s smooth and mellow taste profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of spice on the finish.
Which brand of bourbon is the smoothest?
Determining the “smoothest” bourbon can be subjective and dependent on individual taste preferences. However, several bourbon brands are often praised for their smooth and mellow flavor profiles.
Some brands that are frequently cited for their smoothness include:
Blanton’s: Blanton’s bourbon is known for its smooth and velvety texture, with a balanced flavor profile featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Woodford Reserve: Woodford Reserve bourbon is crafted with a high level of attention to detail, resulting in a smooth and refined taste profile characterized by notes of toffee, spice, and dark fruit.
Buffalo Trace: Buffalo Trace bourbon is celebrated for its smoothness and drinkability, with a flavor profile that includes hints of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve: Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbons are highly sought after for their exceptional smoothness and complexity, with rich flavors of caramel, oak, and dark fruit.
While these bourbons are often praised for their smoothness, it’s essential to remember that taste is subjective, and what one person considers smooth, another may not. Exploring different bourbon brands and expressions is the best way to find the one that suits your palate and preferences.
Is Jack Daniel’s like Maker’s Mark?
Jack Daniel’s and Maker’s Mark are both iconic American whiskey brands, but they differ in several key ways. Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey, which means it undergoes an additional charcoal filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process before aging in barrels.
This process imparts a distinctive smoothness and character to Jack Daniel’s whiskey, which is known for its bold flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
On the other hand, Maker’s Mark is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, which means it is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth and mellow taste profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
While both Jack Daniel’s and Maker’s Mark are popular whiskey brands, they have different flavor profiles and production methods, so they may appeal to different tastes.
Is Maker’s Mark cheap whiskey?
Maker’s Mark is not typically considered a cheap whiskey, but rather a mid-range bourbon that offers good value for its quality. It is priced higher than many budget or entry-level bourbons but lower than some premium or ultra-premium expressions.
Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile, as well as its iconic red wax seal and distinctive bottle shape.
While it may not be the cheapest bourbon on the market, many whiskey enthusiasts consider Maker’s Mark to be a solid choice for everyday enjoyment or special occasions.
Why is Maker’s Mark so popular?
Maker’s Mark has gained popularity for several reasons, including its distinctive flavor profile, iconic branding, and consistent quality. Here are some factors contributing to Maker’s Mark’s popularity:
Smooth and approachable taste: Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Its balanced taste appeals to a wide range of palates, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.
Iconic branding: Maker’s Mark’s distinctive red wax seal and square bottle shape make it instantly recognizable on store shelves and in bars. Its eye-catching packaging has contributed to its iconic status and memorable brand image.
Heritage and tradition: Maker’s Mark has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1953. The brand’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship and quality has resonated with consumers who appreciate authenticity and heritage in their whiskey.
Consistent quality: Maker’s Mark is known for its consistent quality and attention to detail in the production process. Each batch of Maker’s Mark is carefully crafted to maintain the brand’s signature flavor profile, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable drinking experience for consumers.
Overall, Maker’s Mark’s combination of smooth taste, iconic branding, heritage, and consistent quality has contributed to its widespread popularity among whiskey drinkers.
Is Maker’s Mark a premium bourbon?
Maker’s Mark is often considered a premium bourbon due to its quality, craftsmanship, and higher price point compared to many entry-level bourbons.
While the term “premium” can be subjective and may vary depending on individual perceptions and preferences, Maker’s Mark is generally positioned as a higher-end bourbon within the market.
Its smooth and mellow flavor profile, along with its distinctive branding and heritage, contribute to its premium appeal among whiskey enthusiasts.
Is Maker’s Mark a nice bourbon?
Many whiskey enthusiasts consider Maker’s Mark to be a nice bourbon due to its smooth and mellow flavor profile, iconic branding, and consistent quality.
Maker’s Mark is known for its approachable taste, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, making it enjoyable for both casual sipping and mixing in cocktails.
Its iconic red wax seal and square bottle shape add to its appeal, making it a popular choice for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those new to the bourbon category.
Overall, Maker’s Mark is widely regarded as a nice bourbon that offers a reliable and enjoyable drinking experience.
Is Maker’s Mark expensive?
Maker’s Mark is generally considered to be a mid-range bourbon in terms of pricing. While it is not typically classified as inexpensive or cheap whiskey, it is also not among the most expensive bourbons on the market.
The price of Maker’s Mark can vary depending on factors such as location, taxes, and retailer markup.
In general, Maker’s Mark is priced higher than many entry-level bourbons but lower than some premium or ultra-premium expressions. Its pricing reflects its quality, craftsmanship, and the brand’s heritage.
Is Maker’s Mark a smooth bourbon?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is widely regarded as a smooth bourbon. It is known for its approachable flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Maker’s Mark achieves its smoothness through careful production methods, including the use of red winter wheat in its mash bill, which contributes to a softer and more mellow taste compared to bourbons made with rye.
Additionally, Maker’s Mark undergoes a unique aging process, including rotating its barrels during maturation, which helps ensure consistent flavor and smoothness across batches.
Final Verdict: Bourbon Similar to Maker’s Mark
You have several to choose from beyond the spirits line of Maker’s Mark. From Wild Turkey to Jim Beam to Bulleit Bourbon, they all have similarities with Maker’s –excellent quality, reasonable price, and great flavor profile.
But if you are looking for a pretty unique experience without going farther away from what you’re used to, try any of these spirits and see which suits your style and preferences the best.
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