Makers Mark has a lasting memory to me as the very first “high quality” bourbon I ever purchased. I still remember the day vividly, heading down to the Salt Lake Liquor store as a young 21-year-old nadsat, my typical vesche being a pick of Black Velvet, Canadian Mist, or - on a good and lucky occasion that I had a decent amount of cash in my wallet - a pint-size bottle of Wild Turkey 101. Things were quite different back then, but I still remember sitting in the window-laden foyer of my apartment in the Avenues, whose views of pale any suburbian decadence; To the East, the ringing bells and magnificent gargoyled spires of the Cathedral of the Madeline, and to the West, a hilltop view of the Mormon Mecca, the Salt Lake Temple standing with imposing clarity and marble brick masonry.
It was midsummer, our apartment had no AC and so the windows would all be cracked open, pants rolled up and shirt buttons open, and the smell of the city in summer poured in over the only way a recently legally drinking man can beat the heat; by pouring dram by dram into a scotch glass on the rocks. The Makers Mark provided to me, as I remember, a smooth and rocky textured taste that left me reminded of wet pavement after a drifting spring rain. Perhaps it was just a projection of what I was wishing for as an alternative to the relentless heat, but I still remember listening to the bells of Madeline on the weekday I had off, just past noon and surrounded by recently art projects.
This is the ultimate dream of many whiskey makers and drinkers alike; the ability of a single bottle to harken back to a memory, filled with beauty, even if drowned by melancholy. Makers Mark may be something of what I’d consider a now easily affordable bottle, but this review is long overdue for a whiskey that has such an intimate and close place in my consciousness and my heart.
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Loretto, KY, USA
$29.99
45% / 90 Proof
Nose - Instant hits of very thick, sweetened vanilla and mash bill corn rise from the fresh pour, with notes of peppercorn and tanned leather.
Palette - The aforementioned hits of stone wash come quickly to mind, but as my palette has developed over the years, Markers presents a whole slew of wider notes that I once may never have noticed. Honey and corn are both in vogue on the main body of the taste, with the malted texture of the nose coming through as well. Makers provides a good hit of rye spice and heat that sticks with the majority of the palette and through to the finish.
Finish - The finish also brings in notes of the nose, tanned leather and a peppery spice, settling in the chest with a vibrant and warming sensation. After some moments, the leather dies out and leaves a pleasant taste of honeysuckle and black pepper.
Thoughts - I have a colorful history with Marker’s Mark. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a pour to myself of the sweet nectar, but it does feel especially unique to me given all the various memories I have associated with it. You could say that it planted the seed of my admiration of Whiskey over any other spirit so long ago, and while I do give the credit more often to my darling whiskey - Wild Turkey 101 - Maker’s Mark lead me down a path of enjoying whiskey for the flavor and sensation of the drink over just shooting it down to get drunk. I even remember those first few drinks on the rocks, sitting in the sunroom of that beautiful apartment so many years ago, trying to pick out the nuanced flavors and notes that I would come to experience in full effect just some 7 years later. It doesn’t seem to long ago putting the number down in writing, but it truly is incredible how much I have experienced and changed since that day just a little over half a decade ago.
I would and have always recommended Maker’s Mark to those interested in learning more about classic bourbon flavors and opening their palettes to some of the more landmark whiskeys that are on the affordable end, providing a luxurious appearance to any whiskey bar or counter and giving a lot of flavors to boot. It may fall short in terms of luxurious experiences or wild tasting rides, but I don’t think that’s what makes Maker’s Mark special. I think Maker’s Mark is a whiskey built for making memories that will last for years to come, so vivid that you can close your eyes and feel yourself in that very same place and time.
8/10, a great budget intro to “real” whiskey flavors, making memories and having a good time.
