Maker’s Mark
Beam Suntory (originally T. William Samuels) · Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY (National Historic Landmark)
The red winter wheat is the whole story. Where rye adds bite and spice, wheat adds softness and sweetness — and that substitution, radical in 1953, gave Maker’s Mark its famously approachable character. Bill Samuels Sr.’s wife Margie designed the iconic hand-dipped red wax seal, and every bottle is still hand-dipped today. It’s a bourbon that proves innovation doesn’t require complexity — sometimes the bravest move is to simplify.
Nose
Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, baking bread, light citrus, oak
Palate
Creamy wheat sweetness, caramel, toasted oak, cherry, vanilla, gentle spice — notably soft with no burn
Finish
Medium-long, clean, with buttery warmth and lingering sweet oak
- Mash Bill
- 70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Cocktail Suggestion
Cocktail — The Wheated Whiskey Sour: 2 oz Maker’s Mark · 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice · 1/2 oz simple syrup · 1 egg white · 2 dashes Angostura. Dry shake, then shake hard with ice, double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Food Pairing
Pair with: Butter pecan ice cream — the creamy wheat bourbon and buttery pecans are a perfect marriage.
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