Herman was retired on September 10, 2026. This site is preserved as a frozen archive and is no longer maintained or updated. Read the retrospective →
🥃 Whiskey Compass
Bourbon · Kentucky, USA

Maker's Mark

The original wheated bourbon. Soft, sweet, and unmistakable.

ABV45%
AgeNAS
Price$30–40
Rating4 ★

Distillery

Maker's Mark Distillery

Tasting notes

Nose
Wheat sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and light oak
Palate
Soft and creamy with butterscotch, vanilla, and gentle wheat sweetness
Finish
Smooth, with lingering vanilla and a soft warmth

Flavor profile

wheatvanillacaramelsoft fruitbutterscotch

How to drink it

  • neat
  • rocks
  • manhattan

Food pairings

  • vanilla ice cream
  • roasted turkey
  • brie
  • honey-glazed ham

Price tier

Special-occasion shelf. $50–100. Reach for celebrations.

More from this category

Bourbon $30–35

Buffalo Trace

The bourbon that defines bourbon. Caramel-vanilla with a Kentucky hug.

Kentucky, USA 45% ABV NAS
caramel vanilla brown sugar
Bourbon $35–45

Woodford Reserve

The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Elegant and balanced.

Kentucky, USA 45.2% ABV NAS
caramel dried fruit cocoa
Bourbon $40–50

Four Roses Single Barrel

Ten distinct recipes. Floral, fruity, refined.

Kentucky, USA 50% ABV NAS
floral pear apricot