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Last Updated on February 7, 2023 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 bourbons 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.
FAQs
Is Maker’s Mark top-shelf?
Maker’s Mark isn’t a top-shelf whiskey in general. It falls in the range of mid-shelf bottles.
But if we’re talking about the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, that’s sure to be a top-shelf one.
Is Maker’s Mark sipping whiskey?
Maker’s Mark is a sipping whiskey as the character and flavor aren’t that deep and bold.
However, once you add anything to this spirit (like ice or a drop of water), you’ll experience overwhelming notes.
In Summary
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.
References:
- https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna36152725
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/04/18/bulleit-the-comeback-of-american-rye-whiskey/
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
