Maker’s Mark 2026 Reds Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Maker’s Mark 2026 Reds Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45%-ABV, 750ml bottles.

About Maker’s Mark:

Maker's Mark is a premium, small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon whisky known for its signature hand-dipped red wax seal and a smooth, approachable flavor profile. Founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., it famously replaces traditional rye grain with soft red winter wheat to eliminate the "burn" often associated with other bourbons.

Key Characteristics

• Wheated Mash Bill: The recipe consists of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. The use of wheat instead of rye results in a sweeter, mellower taste.
• Aged to Taste: Unlike most distilleries that age for a set number of years, Maker's Mark is aged until expert tasters determine it is ready, typically between 5.5 to 7 years.
• Hand-Rotated Barrels: It is the only major distillery that manually rotates every 525-pound barrel from the upper to the lower levels of the rackhouse to ensure consistent maturation across all batches.
• Signature Branding: Every bottle is hand-dipped in red wax at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, meaning no two bottles have the exact same drip pattern.

   

Core Product Lineup

• Maker's Mark Bourbon: The flagship expression, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). It features notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit with a smooth finish.
• Maker's Mark 46: The first new major product in 60 years, it is finished with seared French oak staves for added complexity, spice, and deep vanilla richness.
• Maker's Mark Cask Strength: A bold, uncut version bottled at barrel proof (typically 107–114 proof), amplifying the signature flavors of dark cherry and toasted oak.
• Maker's Mark 101: A higher-proof limited release (101 proof) that offers a richer, creamier mouthfeel with bold spice and ripe fruit notes.

   

History and Heritage

• The Samuels Family: Bill Samuels Sr. famously burned his family's 170-year-old recipe in 1953 to start fresh with a smoother formula.
• Margie Samuels' Legacy: Bill's wife, Margie, is credited with creating the brand name, the bottle shape, the label design, and the iconic red wax seal. She was the first woman directly involved with a distillery to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
• Distillery Location: Produced at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, the distillery is a National Historic Landmark and uses its own limestone-filtered water source.

   

Sustainability Initiatives

Maker's Mark is a Certified B Corp, emphasizing environmental responsibility through several programs:

• Regenerative Farming: 86% of their grains currently come from growers practicing regenerative agriculture.
• Solar Powered: All warehouses in Loretto are powered by solar energy.
• Zero Landfill Goal: The distillery pulverizes 20 tons of glass per month for use on trails and upcycles cardboard to replace plastic packaging