spotlight

Sipping: Maker's Mark - Made by Makers Not AI

🥃 Bourbon this good doesn’t need hype—just a pour. Come sip the story with Maker’s Mark. #MakersMark

HSP Brands

02 Jun 2025 — 3 min read

Maker’s Mark isn’t just a bourbon—it’s a handcrafted legacy born in Kentucky.

Created in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., Maker’s Mark was a bold departure from the sharp, rye-heavy bourbons of its time.

By replacing rye with soft red winter wheat, Bill crafted a smoother, sweeter whiskey that stood out in both flavor and character. Every bottle is still made with intention: aged to taste, not time, and hand-dipped in its signature red wax—an unmistakable mark of quality. Today, the Samuels family legacy lives on through a commitment to traditional methods, small-batch distilling, and authentic flavor.

From barrel to bottle, Maker’s Mark is proof that when you do things by hand, you do them right.

🟥 Maker’s Mark Original

Maker’s Mark Original is known for its signature smoothness and handcrafted balance.

The nose opens with soft notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of fruit, leading into a gentle palate filled with sweet vanilla, toasted nuts, and subtle baking spice. Its use of red winter wheat in place of rye gives it a rounded, mellow character that stands out among bourbons. The finish is warm and approachable, with lingering hints of oak and toffee, making it ideal for sipping neat, over ice, or in classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned. ABV: 45% (90 proof)

🟫 Maker’s 46

Maker’s 46 builds on the original flavor profile by adding seared French oak staves to the barrel for a bolder, more complex finish.

On the nose, you’ll find rich vanilla and caramel layered with baking spices and dark fruit. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, offering notes of toasted oak, warm spice, and creamy richness. The finish is long and assertive, with deeper spice and oak character that appeals to those seeking a more robust bourbon experience. It’s perfect for elevated cocktails or slow sipping. ABV: 47% (94 proof)

🔥 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

Bottled straight from the barrel, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength delivers a full-force experience of the original bourbon — uncut, unfiltered, and powerful. It opens with a bold aroma of toasted oak, vanilla bean, and cinnamon.

The palate is intense yet balanced, offering a deep rush of toffee, dried fruit, and warm spice, carried by a creamy, viscous mouthfeel. The finish is long, bold, and warming, with lingering notes of charred oak and cocoa. Best enjoyed by seasoned bourbon lovers, this expression shines neat, with a drop of water, or in a high-proof cocktail. ABV: Varies by batch (typically 108–114 proof)

🪵 Maker’s Mark Private Selection

Maker’s Mark Private Selection is a unique program that allows select retailers and bars to customize their own bourbon flavor profile using proprietary combinations of oak staves.

Each bottle reflects the creativity and taste of the individual partner, making every batch one-of-a-kind. Aromas and flavors vary—from dessert-like vanilla and baking spice to bold oak and dark chocolate—depending on the stave choices. While each release is different, all share the signature Maker’s richness and smoothness. Private Selection is an excellent storytelling piece at tastings, allowing consumers to discover a personalized expression of a legendary bourbon. ABV: Varies by store/barrel (usually 108–114 proof)