How Long Is Maker’s Mark Bourbon Aged? Answered (2023)
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Maker’s Mark is one of the most well-loved bourbons for its smooth flavor, deliciously spicy, and sweet taste. It has a rich history and now makes six different varieties of bourbon.
But how long is Maker’s Mark aged?
Scroll down to know more about Maker’s Mark age statement and the aging process.
About Maker’s Mark Whisky’s Aged Statement
Maker’s Mark believes that character is not made by machine, and they take pride in making every bottle one at a time. Maker’s Mark is aged between six to seven years, but unlike most distillers, they age to taste.
Since it is a bourbon whiskey, it should be aged in new charred oak barrels [1]. It is then aged in their rack house, and until today, they practice the barrel rotation by hand.
How Long Is It Really Aged?
Maker’s Mark does not bear an age statement but based on their official website, every barrel is aged for six to seven years in new charred oak barrels.
Aside from the grain used by Maker’s Mark, the aging in the barrel gives the bourbon its flavor profile and appearance.
Maker’s Mark is aged to taste, meaning they do not simply set the clock, but the whiskey’s taste will tell if it is ready. The six to seven-year window is usually the sweet spot for Maker’s Mark whisky.
Read: Drinks With Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Its Aging Process
After the distilling process, the white dog is aged in new charred oak barrels for six to seven years. Maker’s Mark uses the customary char number three on new oak barrels to caramelize the natural sugar of the woods.
Barrels are aged in the rack house for a maximum of seven years, and they rotate the barrels by hand for proper exposure to the varying temperatures.
Barrel rotation added consistency to every barrel and was a traditional practice abandoned by many distilleries. Learn what to mix with Maker’s Mark bourbon here.
How Maker’s Mark Bourbon Taste After Aging
Maker’s Mark uses a mash bill that contains 70% corn, 14% malted barley, and 16% soft red winter wheat. The grains give the whiskey its flavor profile, but aging in the barrel helps reduce harsh flavor and adds a distinct taste.
Maker’s Mark has a rich flavor of caramel, vanilla, apple, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and clove. It has a light fruitiness and sweetness from the wheat. It has a creamy smooth taste with a pleasant and clean finish.
Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbons
Does Maker’s Mark Get Better With Age?
Every whiskey gets better with age; however, the distillery believes Maker’s Mark is aged well. The six to seven years in charred oak barrels is enough for the bourbon to be ready for bottling.
As we all know, it is not required for a bourbon to be aged longer than two years; however, the sweet spot for Maker’s Mark can be achieved if it is aged longer than the bourbon requirement.
Are All Maker’s Mark Variants Aged The Same?
Yes, all Maker’s Mark variants aged the same. For many years, Maker’s Mark offered nothing but their flagship bourbon, but in 2010, they started to release different expressions.
Today, the brand offers six variants: Maker’s Mark, Cask Strength, Maker’s Mark 46, Private Selection, Wood Finishing Series, and Maker’s Mark 101.
All of them are aged six to seven years.
FAQs
Is Maker’s Mark hard to find?
Maker’s Mark can be hard to find. While online liquor shops sell the brand, it can be hard to find in local liquor shops as it is a good entry-level bourbon.
How much alcohol does Maker’s Mark have?
Maker’s Mark contains alcohol that ranges from 45% to 55%. The alcohol content varies from each expression because Maker’s Mark contains 45% while the Private Selection contains 55%.
Final Say
Maker’s Mark is aged for six to seven years in oak barrels before it is bottled. The brand uses charred oak barrels that give Maker’s Mark its color and tons of flavor.
Unlike other brands, Maker’s Mark stays true and traditional with its production process, from grains to bottles.
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
