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Episode 3: Maker's Mark Bourbon Review

In typical Alberta fashion, the weather flipped and we are now enjoying a warm fall day. This actually works out perfect for my blog and show, since I wanted to review a Bourbon next. In this episode I will pour and sip an industry standard - Maker's Mark.

You can always identify Maker's Mark in a bar or a store easily by the shape of the bottle and the characteristic red wax top. I think Maker's was the second Bourbon I ever seriously tried and I have enjoyed coming back to it over time when the weather is nice or I'm looking for the sweet taste of corn spirit and the strong wood notes from new oak and southern aging.

If you watch my review, you'll see I do not have a lot of flavours to attach to Maker's Mark. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this. However, I do not find Maker's terribly complex. The nose is inviting with lots of caramel and candy sugars. The palate is very similar, but smooth for a young Bourbon. This might be a result of Maker's using Red Winter wheat instead of Rye in their mashbill. Typically Bourbons are made of up Corn, Rye, and Barley. However, here the Rye has been swapped out for Wheat. I believe the ratio is 70/16/14, Corn/Wheat/Barley. This results in a smoother, gentler whisky without the Rye bite I typically pick up in the edges of my mouth. Still, at 46% abv this has legs and I find the flavour interesting. If you have not had a wheated Bourbon, I would definitely recommend picking this up. After I've had a few sips I start to notice more wood in the finish. I find Maker's Mark highlights a young or fresh wood taste. I have often related this to chewing on a Popsicle stick for a while. Nice, but definitely woody.

I enjoy Maker's Mark. It is a fine example of a wheated Bourbon and is readily available at a good price. That said it is not terribly complex or challenging. I recommend it, but give it only 3.5 stars overall.

Rating:✮✮✮✯✰
Video Review Link: https://youtu.be/YulnOlTL6Ws
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