How does Maker's Mark differ from rye-based bourbons?

It uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. That makes it smoother and less spicy, with more sweetness and less pepper.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes. The low spice and soft texture make it one of the easier bourbons to start with, neat or over ice.

What does it taste like?

Vanilla, caramel and light fruit over subtle wood. It is sweet and smooth rather than sharp or spicy.

Can I mix it in cocktails?

Yes. At 90 proof it stands up in an Old Fashioned, whiskey sour or ginger ale highball without getting lost.

Is it the same as Maker's Mark 46?

No. Maker's 46 is finished with seared French oak staves, which adds deeper oak and spice. This is the original, lighter wheated bourbon.

How should I store it?

Keep it upright, sealed and out of direct sunlight. It does not improve in the bottle once opened.

Where is the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L cheapest?

At Liquor Barn, for $29.98, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L?

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 16 ratings.

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L

Best price now

$29.98at Liquor BarnChecked Nov 5

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Liquor Barn

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L

Best price now

$29.98at Liquor BarnChecked Nov 5

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Liquor Barn

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Price facts

Last seen at $29.98 at Liquor Barn on Nov 5.

Our take on the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L

Maker's Mark is a 90-proof Kentucky straight bourbon made with soft red winter wheat instead of rye, which is why it drinks smooth and soft rather than spicy. It shows vanilla, caramel and light fruit over a subtle wood note, and it works both neat and in mixed drinks. The wheat recipe and the hand-dipped red wax bottle make it one of the most recognizable bourbons on the shelf. Reviewers rate it well as an easy, approachable pour, though drinkers who want a bold, high-rye or barrel-proof whiskey may find it mild.

Best forBourbon newcomers who want a smooth first pourNeat or on-the-rocks sippingWhiskey and ginger ale highballsStocking a home bar with one versatile bottle

Pros

Wheated mash bill keeps it soft and never sharp
Clear vanilla, caramel and fruit flavors
90 proof holds up in cocktails without overpowering them
Consistent from bottle to bottle
Recognizable wax-sealed bottle

Cons

Mild and low on spice compared with rye-heavy bourbons
Not a bold or complex sipper for experienced whiskey drinkers
Standard 90 proof rather than a higher-strength release
Sweet profile can be too soft for some palates

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L prices at every store

Liquor BarnNew
Availability unknown
$29.98Checked Nov 5
Visit Liquor Barn

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L price history

Lowest price we've seen: $29.98 on Nov 5 at Liquor Barn. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 5.

What reviewers say

4.2 / 516 ratings

Drinkers rate it highly as a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon that suits both sipping and mixing. The main knock is that it lacks the spice and punch some experienced whiskey fans want.

What people mention

SmoothnessPraisedDrinkers describe it as soft and approachable, with no harsh bite.
FlavorPraisedVanilla, caramel and light fruit come through clearly.
MixingPraisedIt holds its own in cocktails and ginger ale highballs.
ComplexityCriticisedSome experienced drinkers find it simple and mild compared with bolder bourbons.
SpiceMixedThe wheat recipe means little rye spice, which some like and others miss.

About the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a full-flavored bourbon developed by sixth-generation distiller Bill Samuels Sr. It is still made to his recipe. The flavor is subtly woody, with notes of vanilla, caramel and fruit.

It is made with soft red winter wheat instead of rye. Every barrel is rotated by hand, and the bourbon is aged to taste, not time. It is bottled at 90 proof and hand-dipped in red wax.

It can be sipped neat or used in cocktails. One suggestion is to mix it with ginger ale and lime for a long drink. It won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020 and 2021.

Size: 1.0 L
Proof: 90 proof
Grain: Soft red winter wheat, no rye
Flavor: Vanilla, caramel and fruit, with subtle woody notes
Aging: Aged to taste, not time; barrels rotated by hand
Finish: Hand-dipped in red wax
Awards: Double gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2020 and 2021

Specifications

Variety: Bourbon

Questions and answers

How does Maker's Mark differ from rye-based bourbons?: It uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. That makes it smoother and less spicy, with more sweetness and less pepper.
Is it good for beginners?: Yes. The low spice and soft texture make it one of the easier bourbons to start with, neat or over ice.
What does it taste like?: Vanilla, caramel and light fruit over subtle wood. It is sweet and smooth rather than sharp or spicy.
Can I mix it in cocktails?: Yes. At 90 proof it stands up in an Old Fashioned, whiskey sour or ginger ale highball without getting lost.
Is it the same as Maker's Mark 46?: No. Maker's 46 is finished with seared French oak staves, which adds deeper oak and spice. This is the original, lighter wheated bourbon.
How should I store it?: Keep it upright, sealed and out of direct sunlight. It does not improve in the bottle once opened.
Where is the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L cheapest?: At Liquor Barn, for $29.98, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.0L?: Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 16 ratings.