Woodford Reserve vs Maker's Mark Bourbon: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark. These two bourbons are some of the most popular and recognizable brands in the industry, and for good reason. Both Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark are Kentucky Straight bourbons with distinct flavor profiles that set them apart from one another.

One of the main differences between Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark is the grain recipe used in their production. Woodford Reserve uses rye as its flavoring grain, while Maker’s Mark uses wheat. This difference in grain recipe gives each bourbon its unique taste and aroma. Woodford Reserve is known for its bold and spicy flavor, while Maker’s Mark is sweeter and smoother. Both bourbons are aged in charred oak barrels, which adds to their distinct flavor profiles.

Despite their differences, both Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark are highly respected and beloved by bourbon enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the bold and spicy taste of Woodford Reserve or the sweet and smooth taste of Maker’s Mark, there’s no denying that these two bourbons are some of the best in the industry.

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History of Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark

Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s History

photo credit: www.woodfordreserve.com

Woodford Reserve has a rich history that dates back to 1812. The distillery was originally known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery, built by Elijah Pepper in Versailles, Kentucky. In 1878, the distillery was purchased by James Crow, who was known for his contributions to the bourbon industry, including the development of the sour mash process.

During the Prohibition era, the distillery was forced to shut down. In 1941, it was purchased by Brown-Forman, which restored the facility and began producing bourbon once again. In 1996, the distillery released the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon, which quickly gained popularity among bourbon enthusiasts.

Today, Woodford Reserve is known for its unique production process, which includes using copper pot stills and triple distillation. The bourbon is also aged in custom-charred oak barrels, which contribute to its distinct flavor profile.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon’s History

photo credit: www.makersmark.com

Maker’s Mark has a history that dates back to the 1950s, when Bill Samuels Sr. set out to create a bourbon that was smoother and more palatable than the harsh bourbons of the time. He experimented with different grains and production methods until he found a recipe that he was happy with.

The first batch of Maker’s Mark was produced in 1954, and it quickly gained a following among bourbon drinkers. The brand’s iconic wax seal was added to the bottle in 1958, and it has remained a staple of the brand’s packaging ever since.

In 1980, the distillery was purchased by Hiram Walker & Sons, which later sold it to Beam Inc. In 2014, the brand was purchased by Suntory Holdings, a Japanese company.

Today, Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth, easy-drinking flavor profile. The bourbon is made using a mash bill that includes corn, wheat, and barley, which contributes to its distinct taste. Maker’s Mark is also aged in charred oak barrels, which give it a rich caramel flavor.

Production Process

When it comes to bourbon, the production process is a crucial factor that determines the taste, aroma, and overall quality of the spirit. In this section, we will take a closer look at the production processes of Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark bourbons, comparing their methods and techniques to determine what sets them apart.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s Production Process

Woodford Reserve is known for its unique and complex flavor profile, which is a result of its intricate production process. The distillery uses a combination of modern and traditional techniques to create a bourbon that is both rich and smooth.

Here are the steps involved in Woodford Reserve’s production process:

Mash Bill: Woodford Reserve uses a mash bill that consists of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This unique blend of grains gives the bourbon its signature flavor profile.
Fermentation: The mash is then fermented in large wooden vats for up to six days. During this time, yeast is added to convert the sugars in the mash into alcohol.
Distillation: After fermentation, the mash is distilled three times in copper pot stills. This helps to remove impurities and create a smoother, more refined spirit.
Maturation: The bourbon is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years. During this time, the spirit takes on the flavors and aromas of the wood, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon’s Production Process

Maker’s Mark is known for its distinctive red wax-dipped bottle, which is a symbol of its handcrafted nature. The distillery uses traditional methods and techniques to create a bourbon that is both smooth and flavorful.

Here are the steps involved in Maker’s Mark’s production process:

Mash Bill: Maker’s Mark uses a mash bill that consists of 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. This unique blend of grains gives the bourbon its sweet and mellow flavor profile.
Fermentation: The mash is then fermented for up to three days, using a proprietary strain of yeast that is unique to Maker’s Mark.
Distillation: After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills. Maker’s Mark distills its bourbon only once, which helps to retain more of the flavor and character of the grains.
Maturation: The bourbon is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of six years. During this time, the spirit takes on the flavors and aromas of the wood, resulting in a smooth and flavorful bourbon.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to taste, both Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve have distinct flavors that set them apart from each other.

Maker’s Mark is known for its sweet and smooth taste, with hints of vanilla, spiced honey, and oak. The wheat used in its mash bill gives it a softer, more delicate flavor profile that appeals to those who prefer a milder bourbon. The sweetness is not overpowering, making it an easy drink for most people.

On the other hand, Woodford Reserve has a bolder, spicier taste due to the rye used in its mash bill. It has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of toffee, cinnamon, and cocoa. The rye gives it a dry finish that is distinct from Maker’s Mark.

If you prefer a sweeter taste, Maker’s Mark might be a better option for you. But if you are looking for something with more complexity and a spicier kick, Woodford Reserve might be the way to go.

It’s important to note that taste is subjective, and what one person might prefer, another might not. So, it’s always a good idea to try both and see which one suits your palate better.

Price Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark, price can be a deciding factor for many people. Both bourbons are reasonably priced, but there are some differences in their prices.

Maker’s Mark typically costs around $25-30 for a 750ml bottle.
Woodford Reserve usually costs around $35-40 for a 750ml bottle.

While Maker’s Mark is cheaper, it’s important to note that Woodford Reserve is often considered a higher-end bourbon, so the price difference is to be expected.

If you’re on a budget, Maker’s Mark is a great choice. It’s affordable and still provides a great taste. However, if you’re looking for a more premium bourbon, Woodford Reserve might be worth the extra cost.

It’s also worth noting that prices can vary depending on where you live, as well as where you purchase the bourbon. Be sure to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.

Conclusion

Both Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark are excellent bourbons with their own unique characteristics.

Ultimately, the choice between Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark comes down to personal preference. Both are high-quality bourbons that are worth trying, and you may find that you prefer one over the other. So go ahead, try them both, and decide for yourself which one you like best.

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you might be interested in trying different brands and comparing them to your favorites. Here are some related posts that might interest you. These posts provide in-depth comparisons of different bourbon brands, including Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig, Knob Creek, Bulleit, and Buffalo Trace. You can learn about the ingredients, flavors, and production methods of each brand, and decide which one suits your taste and budget.

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