Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 45% Vol. 0.7 L

Discover the unmistakably smooth character of Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 45% Vol. 0.7L, an iconic American bourbon celebrated for its soft red winter wheat recipe, rich vanilla flavour and distinctive hand-dipped red wax seal. Crafted in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark replaces the rye traditionally used in many bourbon recipes with carefully selected wheat, creating a rounded, approachable whiskey with gentle sweetness and delicate spice. Its elegant flavour combines caramel, sweet oak, vanilla, ripe fruit and subtle cherry notes in a beautifully balanced spirit.

First produced in 1954, Maker's Mark reflects the vision of Bill Samuels Sr., who wanted to create a bourbon without the sharp, peppery character he associated with traditional rye-based recipes. Made from 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley, the whiskey is distilled using carefully controlled methods and matured in new charred American oak barrels. Its distinctive velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish make it equally suitable for sipping and preparing exceptional cocktails. For Drinkero, Maker's Mark is an outstanding choice for Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, Boulevardier, Mint Julep, Bourbon Manhattan and other classic whiskey cocktails.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich golden amber with warm copper reflections, developed through maturation in new charred American oak barrels.

Aroma: Sweet oak, delicate vanilla, bright fruit and gentle wheat character, with subtle caramel and cherry-like impressions.

Palate: Smooth, rounded and softly sweet, combining vanilla, caramel, oak, ripe fruit and delicate baking spice.

Texture: Velvety and full-bodied, with an approachable character that reflects the influence of soft red winter wheat.

Finish: Clean, creamy and pleasantly warming, with lingering vanilla, gentle oak and soft spice.

The Heritage of Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark is one of America's most recognisable bourbon brands, with a history connected to the Samuels family and Kentucky whiskey traditions.

The modern expression was developed by Bill Samuels Sr., who wanted to create a distinctive bourbon that differed from the stronger, more peppery styles popular during the middle of the twentieth century.

Rather than relying on the family's established whiskey recipe, he began experimenting with different grain combinations.

His objective was to create a bourbon with a fuller, softer flavour and less of the sharpness he associated with rye.

The resulting recipe replaced rye with soft red winter wheat, establishing a distinctive style that remains central to Maker's Mark today.

Bill and his wife, Margie Samuels, developed the brand together, combining whiskey-making craftsmanship with memorable packaging and presentation.

The first batch was distilled in 1954, and the bourbon entered the market later in the decade.

Over the following generations, Maker's Mark became internationally recognised for its approachable flavour and iconic red wax-dipped bottle.

Today, the whiskey continues to be produced at the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, using the principles established by its founders.

Why Maker's Mark Uses Wheat Instead of Rye

The defining characteristic of Maker's Mark is its use of soft red winter wheat instead of rye as the secondary flavouring grain.

Most traditional bourbon recipes contain corn alongside rye and malted barley.

Rye is often associated with peppery, spicy and herbal characteristics that add intensity to whiskey.

Bill Samuels Sr. wanted to develop a different flavour, with a softer and more rounded impression.

He selected wheat because it could provide a gentler grain character while maintaining the richness expected from Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

The resulting whiskey has a distinctive balance of soft sweetness, vanilla, caramel and subtle fruit.

Its spice is generally less assertive than in many high-rye bourbons.

This makes Maker's Mark especially attractive for customers who enjoy bourbon but prefer a smoother, less peppery profile.

In cocktails, the wheat-based character can create a softer foundation that complements citrus, sugar, vermouth and aromatic bitters.

The 70% Corn, 16% Wheat and 14% Malted Barley Recipe

Maker's Mark uses an established grain recipe consisting of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley.

Each grain contributes to the whiskey's production and finished character.

Corn – 70%: Provides the majority of the mash and satisfies the American requirement that bourbon be made from at least 51% corn. It forms a rounded foundation that works particularly well with the sweet aromas developed during oak maturation.

Soft red winter wheat – 16%: Replaces rye and contributes the gentle, rounded character for which Maker's Mark is known. The producer associates wheat with delicate citrus, fresh bread and soft sweetness.

Malted barley – 14%: Provides enzymes that help convert grain starches into fermentable sugars and contributes additional grain complexity.

These grains are combined with water and prepared for fermentation.

The resulting mash is fermented, distilled and matured in new charred oak barrels.

The grain recipe is essential to Maker's Mark because it creates a recognisable difference from more spice-forward Kentucky bourbons.

The Story Behind the Red Wax Seal

Maker's Mark is instantly recognisable because of its distinctive red wax-dipped bottle.

The design was developed by Margie Samuels, who played a central role in establishing the brand's visual identity.

Rather than choosing a conventional whiskey label and bottle closure, she created a presentation inspired by traditional hand-crafted products.

The rich red wax drips down the neck of each bottle, giving it an individual appearance.

Every bottle is still hand-dipped in wax at the distillery in Kentucky.

This means the length and shape of the wax drips naturally vary slightly between bottles.

The bottle's square shape and distinctive label reinforce its classic appearance.

For Drinkero, Maker's Mark offers one of the most recognisable premium bourbon presentations, appealing to customers who appreciate both cocktail quality and attractive home-bar bottles.

Produced at Star Hill Farm in Kentucky

Maker's Mark is produced at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.

The distillery is closely connected to the surrounding landscape and its naturally limestone-filtered water source.

Bill and Margie Samuels selected the property as the home of their new bourbon-making operation during the early 1950s.

The site combines historic buildings, modern production facilities and traditional Kentucky whiskey-making methods.

Maker's Mark has maintained a strong connection to the location, emphasising continuity in production and careful attention to ingredients.

The producer also highlights environmental and agricultural initiatives intended to support the surrounding landscape.

Its production approach focuses on preserving the established bourbon flavour rather than introducing frequent changes to the original recipe.

For customers interested in the origin of their spirits, Maker's Mark provides a clear connection between a distinctive whiskey, its family history and a particular Kentucky distillery.

Limestone-Filtered Water

Water plays an important role in the production of Maker's Mark.

The distillery uses naturally limestone-filtered water from its own source at Star Hill Farm.

Kentucky's limestone geology helps provide water with low iron content and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

These characteristics are suitable for preparing the grain mash and supporting yeast fermentation.

The producer considers its water source an important part of the bourbon's established production process.

Water is also used when preparing the spirit for bottling at its intended alcohol concentration.

Although the finished whiskey's flavour depends on several stages, including fermentation and barrel ageing, the consistent water source contributes to reliable production.

Fermentation and the Maker's Mark Yeast

After the grain mixture has been prepared, fermentation converts its sugars into alcohol.

Maker's Mark uses a proprietary yeast strain that has been maintained for generations.

Yeast influences more than alcohol production: it also contributes aromatic compounds that affect the eventual character of the whiskey.

During fermentation, the grain mixture develops flavours and aromas that can be associated with fruit, flowers and gentle sweetness.

The producer emphasises the importance of maintaining its established yeast and fermentation process.

These characteristics help create a consistent foundation for subsequent distillation and maturation.

The fermented liquid is then distilled to concentrate the alcohol while retaining selected aromatic components.

Traditional Copper Distillation

Maker's Mark uses custom-built copper distilling equipment to produce its bourbon.

The producer describes a double-distillation process designed to preserve flavour while refining the spirit.

Copper plays an important role in many whiskey distillation systems because it can help remove undesirable sulphur compounds.

Carefully controlled distillation allows the producer to maintain the balance between grain character and aromatic complexity.

The resulting spirit is prepared for maturation in new charred American oak barrels.

Unlike neutral spirits such as vodka, bourbon retains flavour from its grain preparation, fermentation and distillation.

Maker's Mark aims to preserve these characteristics while creating the smooth profile associated with its wheat-based recipe.

Maturation in New Charred American Oak

Maker's Mark is matured in new charred American oak barrels, as required for bourbon production.

The barrel ageing process is essential to the whiskey's colour, texture and flavour.

During maturation, the spirit interacts with the charred wood and develops aromas that can suggest vanilla, caramel, toasted sugar and gentle spice.

Oak also contributes a dry woody structure that balances the sweeter grain characteristics.

Maker's Mark uses a carefully managed approach to maturation, with the intention of preserving its established flavour profile.

The producer emphasises ageing to taste rather than following one fixed age statement.

As a result, the standard Maker's Mark bottle does not carry a specific declared age.

The finished bourbon is selected according to the desired balance of sweetness, oak, fruit and spice.

Why Maker's Mark Rotates Its Barrels

One distinctive feature of Maker's Mark is the hand rotation of barrels during maturation.

Different positions within a whiskey warehouse can experience different temperature conditions.

These variations influence how the whiskey interacts with the oak and how quickly its flavour develops.

Maker's Mark traditionally moves barrels between locations to help manage those differences.

The producer uses this approach to support consistency in the finished bourbon.

Rather than allowing each barrel's warehouse position to determine its entire maturation profile, the rotation process helps create a more uniform result.

It is one of the traditional production practices that Maker's Mark continues to highlight as part of its commitment to craftsmanship.

What Makes Wheated Bourbon Different?

Wheated bourbon is a style of bourbon in which wheat replaces rye as the secondary flavouring grain.

The legal requirements for bourbon still apply, including a mash containing at least 51% corn and maturation in new charred oak containers.

However, the choice of wheat can change the finished flavour.

Wheated bourbons are often associated with softer spice, rounded sweetness and a smoother impression.

High-rye bourbons generally provide a more pronounced peppery or herbal character.

Maker's Mark is one of the best-known examples of the wheated style.

Its flavour combines gentle sweetness, vanilla, caramel, fruit and soft baking spice.

The difference is particularly noticeable when tasting Maker's Mark alongside Bulleit Bourbon or Wild Turkey 101.

For home bartenders, understanding these styles helps with selecting the right whiskey for a particular cocktail.

Maker's Mark Compared with Wild Turkey 101

Maker's Mark and Wild Turkey 101 are both Kentucky Straight Bourbons, but their strengths and flavour profiles differ considerably.

Maker's Mark 45%: Uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye, creating a rounded profile with vanilla, caramel, bright fruit and gentle spice.

Wild Turkey 101 50.5%: Uses a rye-influenced grain recipe and is bottled at higher strength, producing a more powerful combination of caramel, oak and warming spice.

Maker's Mark is particularly suitable for customers who prefer a softer bourbon character.

Wild Turkey 101 provides a more intense alternative when bold whiskey flavour is desirable.

In an Old Fashioned, Maker's Mark creates a smooth and slightly sweeter impression.

Wild Turkey 101 offers a stronger and more assertive version of the same cocktail.

Both expressions have a useful place in Drinkero's collection because they offer different interpretations of traditional Kentucky bourbon.

Maker's Mark Compared with Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is known for its relatively high rye content and pronounced spicy character.

Maker's Mark follows the opposite approach by replacing rye entirely with wheat.

Bulleit Bourbon 45%: Emphasises rye spice, maple, oak, nutmeg and a dry finish.

Maker's Mark 45%: Offers a softer combination of vanilla, caramel, fruit, gentle oak and subtle spice.

Both whiskies are bottled at the same 45% alcohol strength.

The differences therefore arise primarily from their grain recipes and production methods rather than their bottling strength.

For an Old Fashioned, Bulleit creates a more spice-forward cocktail.

Maker's Mark delivers a rounded, softer interpretation.

These characteristics give customers a meaningful choice when preparing the same recipe with different bourbons.

Maker's Mark Compared with Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is another premium Kentucky bourbon in Drinkero's collection.

Its grain recipe includes corn, rye and malted barley, resulting in a flavour profile that combines sweetness, spice and substantial aromatic complexity.

Woodford Reserve 43.2%: Features dried fruit, orange, cocoa, caramel, cinnamon and toasted oak.

Maker's Mark 45%: Emphasises soft wheat, vanilla, bright fruit, caramel and gentle spice.

Woodford Reserve is particularly suitable for customers who enjoy layered fruit, chocolate-like and oak aromas.

Maker's Mark offers a softer, more direct expression of bourbon sweetness.

In a Whisky Sour, both work well, but Maker's Mark creates a particularly smooth whiskey foundation.

In an Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve delivers additional cocoa and dried-fruit complexity.

Why Maker's Mark Is Excellent for a Whisky Sour

The Whisky Sour is one of the producer's recommended ways to enjoy Maker's Mark.

The classic recipe combines whiskey, fresh lemon juice and sugar, creating a balance between spirit, acidity and sweetness.

Maker's Mark provides an especially attractive foundation because its soft wheat character complements fresh citrus.

Its vanilla and caramel notes add richness without creating excessive spice.

For one serving, combine 50 ml Maker's Mark with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 20 ml sugar syrup.

Add optional cocktail foamer according to the manufacturer's instructions for a smooth, foamy texture.

Shake appropriately with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or over fresh ice.

Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel.

The result is a refreshing, rounded Whisky Sour with a balanced combination of citrus, caramel and gentle oak.

The Classic Maker's Mark Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is an excellent way to appreciate the flavour of Maker's Mark.

This classic cocktail combines bourbon with sugar, aromatic bitters and a small amount of dilution from ice.

The relatively simple structure allows the whiskey to remain the central ingredient.

Maker's Mark contributes vanilla, caramel, sweet oak and subtle spice.

Angostura aromatic bitters complement the bourbon's warming characteristics, while orange peel adds fragrant citrus oils.

For one serving, combine 60 ml Maker's Mark with 5 ml sugar syrup and two dashes of aromatic bitters.

Stir thoroughly with ice until appropriately chilled and diluted.

Strain into a rocks glass containing a large fresh ice cube.

Finish with a fresh orange twist.

The resulting Old Fashioned is smooth and inviting, making it particularly suitable for customers who prefer a less peppery bourbon style.

Maker's Mark in a Boulevardier

The Boulevardier combines whiskey, Campari and sweet red vermouth to create a rich, bittersweet cocktail.

Maker's Mark introduces rounded vanilla, caramel and soft oak that contrast with Campari's herbal bitterness.

Sweet red vermouth adds additional aromatic complexity, helping connect the whiskey's sweeter character with the bitter aperitif.

For one serving, combine 45 ml Maker's Mark with 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth.

Stir thoroughly with ice until chilled and appropriately diluted.

Strain into a rocks glass containing a large fresh ice cube.

Garnish with orange peel.

The finished cocktail is rich and bittersweet, with Maker's Mark providing a smooth and rounded bourbon foundation.

Maker's Mark in a Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is one of the most famous cocktails associated with Kentucky bourbon traditions.

Its combination of whiskey, fresh mint, sugar and crushed ice creates a refreshing long drink with a pronounced bourbon character.

Maker's Mark is particularly well suited to this recipe because its smooth sweetness complements the fragrance of mint.

For one serving, combine 60 ml Maker's Mark with 10 ml sugar syrup and approximately eight fresh mint leaves.

Gently press the mint to release its aroma without crushing it excessively.

Fill a julep cup or suitable rocks glass with crushed ice.

Stir until thoroughly chilled and finish with additional crushed ice.

Garnish with a generous fresh mint sprig.

The result is a classic Kentucky cocktail that combines the richness of bourbon with refreshing mint and carefully balanced sweetness.

Bourbon Manhattan and Whiskey Smash

Maker's Mark is also an excellent choice for bourbon-based variations of classic whiskey cocktails.

In a Manhattan, sweet red vermouth and aromatic bitters complement the bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes.

The result is generally softer and rounder than a traditional rye-based Manhattan.

In a Whiskey Smash, fresh lemon juice and mint create a refreshing contrast to the bourbon's gentle sweetness.

These cocktails demonstrate how Maker's Mark can work in both spirit-forward and citrus-based preparations.

Its smooth character is particularly useful when the recipe does not require a pronounced rye spice.

How Maker's Mark Complements Cocktail Ingredients

Angostura bitters: Introduce warming spice and herbal complexity that complement the bourbon's vanilla and oak.

Fresh lemon: Provides bright acidity that balances Maker's Mark's rounded sweetness in a Whisky Sour or Whiskey Smash.

Orange peel: Adds aromatic citrus oils, particularly suitable for Old Fashioned and Boulevardier.

Sweet red vermouth: Brings herbal wine complexity to Bourbon Manhattan and Boulevardier variations.

Campari: Introduces bitter orange and herbal notes that contrast with the bourbon's caramel character.

Fresh mint: Creates refreshing herbal contrast in Mint Julep and Whiskey Smash.

Honey syrup: Adds rounded floral sweetness for Hot Toddy and seasonal bourbon cocktails.

Ginger ale: Complements gentle oak and spice in a simple bourbon highball.

Soda water: Provides carbonation and dilution while preserving the whiskey's distinctive flavour.

Maker's Mark is especially rewarding in cocktails where its softer flavour can remain noticeable rather than being concealed by excessive sweetness.

What Makes Maker's Mark Special?

Maker's Mark stands out through its combination of wheat-based bourbon production, Kentucky family heritage and its distinctive hand-dipped red wax bottle.

Its recipe replaces rye with soft red winter wheat, creating a recognisably rounded flavour.

The mash contains 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley.

Production uses naturally limestone-filtered water, a carefully maintained yeast strain and traditional copper distillation.

New charred American oak barrels develop rich vanilla, caramel and gentle spice.

The producer rotates barrels during maturation and selects whiskey according to taste rather than a fixed age statement.

At 45% alcohol by volume, Maker's Mark offers a versatile foundation for classic cocktails and relaxed sipping.

For Drinkero, it is an especially valuable addition because it introduces the wheated bourbon style, giving customers a meaningful alternative to more rye-influenced Kentucky whiskies.

Perfect for Cocktails

Old Fashioned: Combines Maker's Mark with sugar syrup and aromatic bitters, highlighting its vanilla, caramel and smooth oak character.

Whisky Sour: Fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup complement the bourbon's soft wheat profile. Optional cocktail foamer creates a smooth texture.

Boulevardier: Mixes Maker's Mark with Campari and sweet red vermouth for a rich, bittersweet cocktail.

Mint Julep: Combines bourbon, mint, sugar and crushed ice for a refreshing Kentucky classic.

Bourbon Manhattan: Uses Maker's Mark, sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters for a rounded, spirit-forward whiskey cocktail.

Whiskey Smash: Combines Maker's Mark with lemon, mint and sugar for a refreshing citrus-and-herb drink.

Presbyterian: Combines bourbon with ginger ale and soda water for a refreshing highball.

Hot Toddy: Combines Maker's Mark with hot water, honey and lemon for a warming seasonal cocktail.

Bourbon Highball: Combines Maker's Mark with chilled soda water, preserving its delicate vanilla and caramel notes.

Serving Suggestions

For an Old Fashioned, combine 60 ml Maker's Mark with 5 ml sugar syrup and two dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters. Stir thoroughly with ice, strain over a large fresh ice cube and garnish with orange peel.

For a Whisky Sour, combine 50 ml Maker's Mark with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 20 ml sugar syrup. Add optional cocktail foamer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Shake appropriately with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

For a Boulevardier, combine 45 ml Maker's Mark with 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice and garnish with orange peel.

For a Mint Julep, combine 60 ml Maker's Mark with 10 ml sugar syrup and eight fresh mint leaves. Gently press the mint, add crushed ice and stir until chilled. Garnish with fresh mint.

For a Bourbon Manhattan, combine 50 ml Maker's Mark with 25 ml sweet red vermouth and two dashes of aromatic bitters. Stir with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry.

For a Whiskey Smash, combine 50 ml Maker's Mark with 25 ml lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup and six fresh mint leaves. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice.

For a Presbyterian, combine 45 ml Maker's Mark with 60 ml chilled ginger ale and 60 ml soda water. Serve over ice in a highball glass and garnish with lemon.

For a Hot Toddy, combine 45 ml Maker's Mark with 120 ml hot water, 15 ml honey syrup and 15 ml fresh lemon juice. Stir gently in a heat-resistant mug and garnish with an optional cinnamon stick.

For a Bourbon Highball, combine 45 ml Maker's Mark with approximately 120 ml chilled soda water. Serve over generous ice and garnish with lemon or orange peel.

Use accurate measurements, fresh ingredients and appropriate dilution to preserve the bourbon's balance of vanilla, caramel, fruit and gentle oak.

Product Details

• Brand: Maker's Mark
• Product: Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
• Country of origin: United States of America
• Region: Kentucky
• Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky
• Historic homeplace: Star Hill Farm
• Founders: Bill and Margie Samuels
• First distilled: 1954
• Spirit type: Whisky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, wheated bourbon
• Grain composition: 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, 14% malted barley
• Signature characteristic: Soft red winter wheat used instead of rye
• Water: Naturally limestone-filtered Kentucky water
• Fermentation: Proprietary yeast strain
• Distillation: Copper distillation with a double-distillation process
• Maturation: New charred American oak barrels
• Barrel management: Traditional hand rotation during maturation
• Age statement: No age statement on the standard bottle
• Colour: Golden amber
• Aroma: Sweet oak, vanilla, bright fruit and wheat
• Flavour profile: Vanilla, caramel, fruit, soft spice and oak
• Texture: Smooth, rounded and velvety
• Finish: Creamy, clean and gently spicy
• Alcohol content: 45% Vol.
• American proof: 90
• Bottle size: 0.7L (700 ml)
• EAN: 085246342978
• Packaging: Signature hand-dipped red wax seal
• Recommended use: Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, Boulevardier, Mint Julep, Bourbon Manhattan, Whiskey Smash and Hot Toddy
• Recommended garnish: Orange peel, lemon peel, fresh mint or cocktail cherry, depending on the recipe

Storage: Store upright with the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Enjoy neat, over ice or in accurately measured cocktails.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, Boulevardier, Mint Julep, Manhattan and Whiskey Smash recipes, compare wheated bourbon with rye-influenced American whiskey, and use the Drinkero cocktail calculator to prepare accurately measured ingredients for your favourite cocktails at home.