In the world of bourbon, there are two main names that stand out: Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. Both are great whiskies, but what is the difference between them? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two iconic brands and outline the key distinctions between them. So, if you’re looking to buy a bottle of bourbon for your next party, read on to learn more about Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark!
What is Jim Beam?
Jim Beam is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Jim Beam company. The whiskey is made from a mash of corn, wheat, and rye, and is aged for four years in new, charred oak barrels. Jim Beam is one of the best-selling bourbons in the world and has won numerous awards for its quality. In addition to the flagship Jim Beam bourbon, the company also produces a number of other whiskey brands, including Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, and Old Grand-Dad. Jim Beam is a proud part of American whiskey history and continues to be one of the most popular bourbons on the market today.
What is Maker’s Mark?
Maker’s Mark is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky. The company Maker’s Mark was founded in 1954 by Bill Samuels Sr. and his wife Marge. Maker’s Mark is made with a wheat recipe rather than the traditional rye recipe, which gives it a sweeter taste. Maker’s Mark is aged for six to seven years in new American white oak barrels that are burned inside to remove the charcoal layer on the barrel’s interior walls. This process Maker’s Mark uses is called “allowing the whiskey to marry with the oak.” Maker’s Mark bottles are dipped in red food-grade wax, which gives each bottle its own unique look. You can visit the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky to take a tour, see how Maker’s Mark is made, and dip your own bottle of whiskey in red wax.
Difference between Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark
Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark are both popular bourbons, but they have some key differences. Jim Beam is made from a mix of corn, rye, and barley, while Maker’s Mark is made primarily from red winter wheat. This gives Jim Beam a more traditional flavor profile, with notes of oak and spice, while Maker’s Mark is smoother and sweeter. Jim Beam is also aged for four years, while Maker’s Mark is aged for six. As a result, Jim Beam has a more pronounced flavor that some bourbon lovers prefer, while others find it too harsh. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Both Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark are excellent bourbons, and it’s worth trying both to see which you prefer.
Conclusion
The main difference between Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark is the aging process. Maker’s Mark is aged for about 6 months, while Jim Beam is aged for about 4 years. This gives Maker’s Mark a softer taste, while Jim Beam has a stronger flavor. Both bourbons are made from corn, but Maker’s Mark uses wheat instead of rye in its recipe. Overall, both bourbons are high-quality spirits and it really comes down to personal preference when choosing which one to drink.
