Maker’s Mark tells you why they are so awesome

Alcohol brands aren’t shy about telling you how great they are, but given that Maker’s Mark is everyone’s level 2 whiskey, you’ll be interested to hear just what makes them special.

This video all well and good, but it’s also a little misleading. For those not familiar with the regulations surrounding bourbon, which I’d say is a majority of the people who drink it, a bourbon mash bill must be comprised of 51% corn. Yes, Maker’s uses red wheat as opposed to rye, but we’re talking about 16% wheat here. It does make a noticeable difference though. The lack of heat and bite due to rye is why Maker’s is nearly everyone’s next go-to whiskey once they graduate from Jack/Jim.

It’s also a bit disingenuous to brag about using new American oak barrels. Aging in new oak barrels is legal requirement to be called bourbon. It’s not as if that sets them apart in any way. And while I don’t believe the trees must be chopped down in the U.S., I can’t think of a single brand that doesn’t use American oak.

This isn’t meant to denigrate Maker’s Mark. I love the stuff. I wanted to show all of you what’s going into that bottle of bourbon on your shelf but also didn’t want you to get busted for spouting misrepresented knowledge next time you’re drunk at the bar.