Makers Mark with a twist ?

[FrankinOmaha]

I enjoy Makers Mark on the rocks with very small splash, and with a small twist of lemon peel. My son thinks the lemon twist is heresy. What say ye?

[kickert]

According to my tour guide at Buffalo Trace, everyone should drink their bourbon the way they like it (of course they are trying sell as much bourbon as possible).

Personally I agree with the tour guide - drink it like you like it. However, I have found when bourbon is altered, it can be harder to discern the subtle qualities that most of us love.

[ILLfarmboy]

I take it you mean "twist" like a martini with a twist. Would it not then be a cocktail? Do you twist the peal above the glass to release the oils? I enjoy what an orange slice brings to an Old Fashioned. I have even been known to twist an orange peal above the glass and rub the rim with it to give it some orangieness without mashing the garnish which would release too much juice.

[polyamnesia]

as decent as MMark is, i would still prefer it neat neat neat...so i know who i am twisting!

[jburlowski]

The only heresy is telling someone else how they should drink their bourbon.

[fishnbowljoe]

Try it with a splash of Sierra Mist. (7 Up-Sprite) When I use Sierra Mist, it brings different flavors out in some bourbons. I went to Canada fishing last year. The person that was supposed to bring Coke, didn't bring enough. I brought a lot of Diet Sierra Mist, so I used it as a mixer in my Maker's Mark thinking that it was just gonna be so-so. I was surprised at how good it was. Now I actually prefer it that way. Joe

[FrankinOmaha]

Try it with a splash of Sierra Mist. (7 Up-Sprite) When I use Sierra Mist, it brings different flavors out in some bourbons. I went to Canada fishing last year. The person that was supposed to bring Coke, didn't bring enough. I brought a lot of Diet Sierra Mist, so I used it as a mixer in my Maker's Mark thinking that it was just gonna be so-so. I was surprised at how good it was. Now I actually prefer it that way. Joe

My thinking is the bit of citrus, the acidity, enhances the Makers Mark. It allows the Makers Mark to express itself.

(I sometime use a splash of diet 7-Up or a splash of ginger ale in my Old Fashions, instead of club soda or water. The acidity may help brighten things on the palate. Boy, am I on thin ice here, :shocked: ! ) (BTW: I don't like Makers Mark in Old Fashions.)

Do you think the acidity helps?

[jpact]

Sounds good to me. Depending on my mood, I like my bourbon one of three ways.

1. Neat.

2. On the rocks.

3. On the rocks with a twist.

I'll even use lime or grapefruit, if that is what is in the fridge. That slightest bit of citrus peel can make for a nice cocktail. Lemon is one of the world's great treasures. But where it works with bourbon, I can't take it in a scotch.