Maker's Mark

[ThomasW]

Has MM always been the product that it is today ?

Same age, same proof, same mashbill etc.

If it has, then it's gotta be quite uniqe. how many products can say the same ?

[BourbonJoe]

No Thomas, at one time they produced a 101 proof whiskey with a gold capsule. This was fantastic stuff. It went away, I think, sometime in the 80's. It had a much better flavor profile than today's red capsule. I miss it.

Joe :usflag:

[StraightBoston]

I think that Thomas is right that the red wax expression has always been produced at the same distillery, at the same proof (and with the same lack of age statement!)

As you mentioned, there was a 101 proof for a while (I've seen some print ads on eBay mentioning its availability going back to at least the late 60s.) Export markets got the "Select" black label/wax at 95 proof for quite a few years.

The VIP edition seems to once have been a true unique bottling, with handwritten proofs in both 4/5 quart and 750ml versions, before becoming a different bottle for the same red wax contents in recent years.

I have a faux-tax-stripped bottle of the red wax from the early 80s that I have not yet had a chance to try out in a side-by-side. I expect that some differences in use of malt vs. enzymes, barrel proof and age have taken place in those intervening years.

[Jono]

I would assume that because their one expression is so successful they have not developed more products...still...a bit unusual compared to other distillers. I suppose if your product is already marketed as "Premium" than they may not see a point to adding confusion....they could offer "Super Premium" but I suppose it would not justify the investment. They don't want to imitate Johnny Walker....Red Wax, Black Wax, Blue Wax....etc.

[funknik]

Red Wax, Black Wax, Blue Wax....etc.

Red, White & Blue Wax.

[gothbat]

I would assume that because their one expression is so successful they have not developed more products...still...a bit unusual compared to other distillers. I suppose if your product is already marketed as "Premium" than they may not see a point to adding confusion....they could offer "Super Premium" but I suppose it would not justify the investment. They don't want to imitate Johnny Walker....Red Wax, Black Wax, Blue Wax....etc.

I've asked the representative about this at Whiskyfest and that's pretty much the reason. They told me that they believe and tell people that their product is already the best that it can be so it would not be possible to make something better. Since they can't make something better anything else they make would either be the same or not as good and if they did somehow make something better it would look suspicious if they tried to sell it since they've been telling people that the standard MM offering is the best it can be for so long. They seem to disregard the other offerings when they answer this question. I like this stance, it's no guarantee but it means to me that so long as MM is being sold it will never change.

[ACDetroit]

I like this stance, it's no guarantee but it means to me that so long as MM is being sold it will never change.

You post this as if it's a good thing? I have found Makers does make a good bourbon and Coke, but for the price I'd just as well use Weller or Beam Black. When I was a Makers fan it was $17.99 for a 750ml! As you've stated it will never change, so the mid to high $20 price tag here in Michigan is just too much for me to buy in to.

Tony

[Dramiel McHinson]

I'm thinking that since Beam Global bought MM that things will change eventually. I can remember in the early sixties, my grandmother teaching me the fine art of mixing a drink for adults when she was entertaining at home during the holidays. Makers Mark was the main ingredient, mixed with ginger ale, lemon bitters and a teaspoon of sugar. She didn't know that I sampled the production to ensure quality control. I still drink Makers Mark and it's still good to me. So hopefully, any changes will be small and for the better.

I think I'll pour some MM and contemplate this...

[gothbat]

You post this as if it's a good thing? I have found Makers does make a good bourbon and Coke, but for the price I'd just as well use Weller or Beam Black. When I was a Makers fan it was $17.99 for a 750ml! As you've stated it will never change, so the mid to high $20 price tag here in Michigan is just too much for me to buy in to.

Tony

It's definitely a good thing, imo. Are you no longer a fan of this because of it's price tag? If you bought this and it wasn't as good as you remembered it (assuming you think it tastes good), wouldn't you be disappointed regardless of it's price? I'm not saying it's the best or even a good deal (tbh, it's a brand I like but don't buy that often) but I do like it so consistency is always a good thing, it won't get any better but it also won't get any worse! (Of course if you don't like the taste then consistency just means it will never get any better. :] )

[kickert]

I was at my in-laws the other day when my mother-in-law mentioned there was an old bottle of bourbon in the cabinet. It was a bottle "specially selected" for my father-in-law. It has gold wax, is 90 proof and the bottle is dated '86. When I tasted it, I was very impressed. It is a deep amber color and the flavor is very complex - it almost reminds me of a VW Lot B. Normally I am not a big fan of Maker's, I find it to be rather flat and one dimensional. I am almost positive this tastes significantly different than the recent MM I have had, but since I have been so disappointed with it in the past, I can't bring myself to purchase a new bottle.

Am I imagining things, or would an '86 bottle have a better taste even if it is the 90 proof?

[OscarV]

Am I imagining things, or would an '86 bottle have a better taste even if it is the 90 proof?