Question 1

Is Maker's Mark a wheated bourbon?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Maker's Mark replaces rye with soft red winter wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill. This gives it a sweeter, softer, and more approachable character compared to high-rye bourbons, and helped popularise the wheated style among everyday bourbon drinkers.

Question 2

What is Maker's 46?

Accepted Answer

Maker's 46 is a premium expression of Maker's Mark finished with seared French oak staves inserted into the barrel for additional maturation. This adds more vanilla, caramel, and spice while keeping the smooth, wheated base character. It is bottled at 94 proof, four points higher than the standard Maker's Mark.

Question 3

What makes Maker's Mark different from other bourbons?

Accepted Answer

Three things: the wheated mash bill (wheat replaces rye for a softer profile), the hand-dipped red wax seal (each bottle is individually dipped by hand at the distillery), and a rotated barrel programme that moves barrels within the warehouse during maturation for consistent flavour development.

Question 4

Who owns Maker's Mark?

Accepted Answer

Maker's Mark is owned by Beam Suntory — the spirits division of Japan's Suntory Holdings. The Star Hill Farm Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky (a National Historic Landmark) has produced Maker's Mark since 1954.

Maker's Mark Bourbon — 46, Kentucky Straight & Private Selection Allocations

Maker's Mark — Frequently Asked Questions