Are you a fan of bourbon whiskey but unsure which brand to choose between Maker’s Mark and Bulleit? Both are well-known Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys that have garnered a loyal following over the years. In this article, we will compare the two and help you decide which one is the best fit for your taste buds.
Maker’s Mark is a classic bourbon whiskey that has been around since 1953. It is known for its smooth and mellow taste, which is achieved by using red winter wheat in its mash bill instead of rye. This gives it a sweeter and less spicy flavor profile compared to other bourbons. On the other hand, Bulleit Bourbon is a relatively new player in the market, having been introduced in 1987. It is made with a higher amount of rye in its mash bill, giving it a spicier and bolder taste. Despite their differences, both Maker’s Mark and Bulleit are highly regarded by bourbon enthusiasts and are worth trying out.
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History of Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon Whiskeys
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey History
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If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve probably heard of Maker’s Mark. The brand has been around since the 1950s and has a rich history. Maker’s Mark’s origin began when T. William “Bill” Samuels Sr. purchased the “Burks’ Distillery” in Loretto, Kentucky, for $35,000 on October 1, 1953. Production began in 1954, and the first run was bottled in 1958 under the brand’s dipped red wax seal.
The Samuels family’s goal was to create a bourbon with a smooth taste that could be enjoyed by everyone, not just whiskey connoisseurs. They achieved this by using red winter wheat instead of rye in their mash bill, which gives Maker’s Mark its signature sweetness.
Over the years, Maker’s Mark has become a beloved brand, known for its distinctive bottle shape and red wax seal. The company has expanded its product line to include flavored whiskeys, but the original Maker’s Mark bourbon remains a fan favorite.
Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey’s History
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Bulleit Bourbon is a relative newcomer to the bourbon scene, having been introduced in the late 1980s. The brand was founded by Tom Bulleit, a lawyer from Kentucky who decided to revive his family’s bourbon recipe.
The original Bulleit bourbon was distilled in the mid-1800s by Tom’s great-great-grandfather, Augustus Bulleit. Augustus disappeared while transporting barrels of his whiskey to New Orleans, and the recipe was lost for over a century.
Tom spent years researching and experimenting with different recipes before finally settling on the one that would become Bulleit Bourbon. The brand has since become known for its high-rye mash bill, which gives it a spicy kick.
In 2017, Bulleit opened its own distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, which has allowed the brand to expand its product line and experiment with new flavors. Despite its relatively short history, Bulleit Bourbon has become a popular choice among bourbon drinkers.
Both Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon have unique histories that have contributed to their popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the smooth sweetness of Maker’s Mark or the spicy kick of Bulleit Bourbon, both brands offer something for everyone.
Production Process
When it comes to Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, the production process is a crucial factor that determines their unique flavors and profiles.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey is made using a traditional process that has been passed down for generations. The process starts with a mash bill that contains 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. The grains are ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then heated to extract the sugars.
The resulting liquid, called the wort, is then cooled and yeast is added to start the fermentation process. The fermented mash is then distilled twice in copper stills to create a clear, high-proof spirit. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey is then aged in charred, new oak barrels for six to seven years, which gives it its distinctive flavor and amber color.
Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process
Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey’s production process is similar to Maker’s Mark, but with a few key differences. Bulleit uses a mash bill that contains 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. The grains are also ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then heated to extract the sugars.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper stills to create a clear, high-proof spirit. Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey is then aged in charred, new oak barrels for six to eight years, which gives it a bold, spicy flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.
One unique aspect of Bulleit’s production process is that the whiskey is filtered through charcoal before it is bottled. This process, known as the Lincoln County Process, is more commonly associated with Tennessee whiskey than with bourbon.
Overall, both have unique production processes that result in distinct flavors and profiles. Whether you prefer the smooth, sweet taste of Maker’s Mark or the bold, spicy flavor of Bulleit, both of these bourbons are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon are both excellent choices, but they have distinct differences. Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth and mellow taste, while Bulleit Bourbon has a spicier and bolder flavor.
Maker’s Mark has a sweet and fruity aroma with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. On the palate, it has a creamy and smooth texture with flavors of caramel, toffee, and vanilla. The finish is long and warm with a hint of spice.
Bulleit Bourbon, on the other hand, has a spicy and bold aroma with notes of rye, oak, and vanilla. The taste is rich and complex with flavors of caramel, toffee, and spice. The finish is long and warm with a lingering spiciness.
In terms of alcohol content, both Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon are bottled at 90-proof, or 45 percent alcohol by volume. However, Bulleit Bourbon has a higher rye content in its mash bill, which contributes to its spicier flavor profile.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon, price is definitely a factor to consider. Both of these bourbons are available at similar price points, but there are some differences to take note of.
For a 750 mL bottle of Bulleit Bourbon, you can expect to pay around $31. This bourbon is bottled at 90-proof or 45 percent alcohol by volume. On the other hand, a 750 mL bottle of Maker’s Mark will set you back about $30 and is also bottled at 90-proof or 45 percent alcohol by volume.
If you’re looking to buy a larger bottle, Bulleit Bourbon retails at roughly $36.99 for a 1.75 L bottle, while Maker’s Mark is priced at around $35.99 for a 1.75 L bottle. As you can see, there is only a small difference in price between the two brands, so you may want to base your decision on other factors such as flavor profile.
It’s worth noting that both of these bourbons are considered premium offerings, so a $1 difference in price may be considered trivial by some. However, if you’re on a tight budget, every dollar counts. In that case, Bulleit Bourbon may be a slightly more affordable option.
The price difference between Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon is not significant enough to make a major impact on your decision. Instead, you may want to consider other factors such as flavor, aroma, and overall drinking experience when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
Now that you have compared Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey and Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, it’s time to make your decision. Both of these bourbons are excellent choices, but they have some differences that you may want to consider.
If you prefer a sweeter, smoother bourbon, you may want to go with Maker’s Mark. It has a lower rye content than Bulleit, which gives it a more mellow flavor. Maker’s Mark is also known for its unique wax-sealed bottle, which makes it stand out on the shelf.
On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier, bolder bourbon, Bulleit may be the way to go. It has a higher rye content than Maker’s Mark, which gives it a bit more bite. Bulleit is also a bit cheaper than Maker’s Mark, which may be a factor if you’re on a budget.
Ultimately, the decision between Maker’s Mark and Bulleit comes down to personal preference. Both are great bourbons that are perfect for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite cocktail. So why not try them both and see which one you like best?
