Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark Bourbon – Wheated Kentucky Bourbon

Maker's Mark is the bourbon that proved wheated mashbills could be just as serious as high-rye expressions. Founded by Bill Samuels Sr. in 1954 in Loretto, Kentucky, the distillery was designed from the ground up around a specific vision: approachable, sweet, and smooth — without sacrificing quality. The substitution of wheat for rye in the mashbill produces the caramel, vanilla, and honey notes that have made Maker's one of the world's most recognizable bourbons. The hand-dipped red wax is one of the most iconic packaging signatures in spirits. Wooden Cork ships the full Maker's Mark lineup nationwide.

The Maker's Mark Lineup

Maker's Mark Original — 90 proof, wheated mashbill, aged in American white oak. Sweet vanilla and caramel with a soft finish. The benchmark wheated bourbon for its price point.

Maker's 46 — The Original finished with seared French oak staves inserted into the barrel for the final months of aging. The extra wood contact adds vanilla, baking spice, and depth without adding age. A significant step up from the standard expression.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength — The same wheated bourbon, uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof. Typically around 108–115 proof depending on the batch. The richest, most concentrated version of the house style.

Maker's Mark Private Select — Custom barrel finishing programs where retailers select from 5 different stave profiles to create their own unique expression. Each Private Select is genuinely different — Wooden Cork's selections are available when batched.

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series — Annual limited releases using novel cask finishing techniques. Past releases include BRT-01 (Caribbean cask finish) and RC6, each adding distinct flavor dimensions to the standard house profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maker's Mark different from other bourbons?

The wheat substitution in the mashbill is the defining difference. Where most bourbons use rye as the secondary grain (producing spice and dryness), Maker's uses red winter wheat — producing a softer, sweeter profile with less pepper and more caramel. It's the original "wheated bourbon" and remains one of the best examples of the style.

What is the difference between Maker's Mark and Maker's 46?

Maker's 46 takes the standard expression and inserts seared French oak staves into the barrel for additional finishing time. The extra wood adds vanilla intensity, baking spice, and more structured tannins without dramatically changing the core character. It's more complex and slightly drier than the original at the same 94 proof.

Do you offer gift wrapping for Maker's Mark?

Yes — gift wrapping, gift boxes, and personalized engraving are available on select bottles at checkout.