Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon review

  Beer is and will always be my beverage of choice. Nothing hits the spot like a malty beverage with just the right amount of hops to inspire and tantalize the mind and senses. But I will partake in the hard stuff every now and then and when I do, there are some types of liquor that I almost always favor over others. My number one hard liquor of choice is whiskey and one very tasty brand of whisky is Maker's Mark Whisky, a popular bourbon distilled in Kentucky. Whisky Commentary: Pouring Maker's Mark Whisky into a clear glass shows that it's golden tan in color and it produces a complex aroma that is alcoholic, woody, and a little smoky. The taste basically follows suit, with a smooth flavor that combines smoked malt, wheat, and other grains. There is also a certain woody character to this whisky along with caramel, toffee, and a little bit of peat. There is even a touch of vanilla in the background, and it becomes more noticeable in the aftertaste. The list of ingredients includes wheat, corn, and malted barley- similar to the ingredients used in beer- and the final product is 90 proof, making it 45 percent alcohol by volume.  Maker's Mark Whisky is a sour- mash, double- distilled whisky with a flavor and smoothness that reminds me of some brands of scotch. The smoky notes and the grains are what give Maker's Mark its unique taste. As I slowly sip on a small glass of Maker's Mark, I like to pay attention to the different taste qualities present and identify the many complexities that make this such a fine bourbon whisky. The emphasis on the grains, smoky character, caramel, etc., are similar to other whisky, but Maker's Mark combines them together just right, creating a balanced yet distinct taste. Maker's Mark is certainly alcoholic in taste, but it is smoother than many other whisky products and less bitter. Part of the reason the taste is less harsh is the absence of rye. Maker's Mark relies instead on Winter wheat, corn, and barley for its main ingredients and they combine together to create a whisky that isn't as harsh as many others while still maintaining its full, rich taste. Some whisky products are good for mixing while others are better for shots. The nice thing about Maker's Mark is that it tastes great either way. Life doesn't get much better than a Manhattan made with Maker's Mark whisky. It is also very tasty in simpler drinks, like Maker's Mark and Coke or Maker's Mark and ginger ale. In fact, if I am going to have a mixed drink with Maker's Mark, I try to stick with the simpler drinks. That way, I can still enjoy the flavor contributions from the whisky.

Bottom Line Viewpoint:

Overall, Maker's Mark Whisky is a great tasting bourbon from the state of Kentucky. It is priced quite a bit higher than the more popular priced bourbons and whiskies, so it tends to be cost- prohibitive for those who just want to taste some basic whisky and are not concerned with higher quality. If a simple whisky fix is all you want, then spend your money on something else. But if the taste of a finely made whisky is what you crave, then Maker's Mark should rank high on your list of possible purchases. The grainy, smoky flavor and the complex tastes make this a whisky to enjoy, one delicious sip at a time.