maker's mark® bourbon whiskey
Maker's Mark contains 90 proof alcohol (45% ABV) with minimal other nutritional content; like all distilled spirits, it is calorie-dense at approximately 110 calories per 1.5 oz serving and contains no significant vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients beyond ethanol.
About
Maker's Mark is a straight bourbon whiskey produced in Loretto, Kentucky, first distilled in 1953 by T. Jeremiah Beam and his wife Margaret Samuels. The spirit is characterized by its wheated bourbon recipe, which substitutes wheat for rye in the grain bill—a departure from traditional Kentucky bourbon that typically uses rye as the secondary grain. This composition yields a notably smooth, approachable whiskey with a lower burn profile. Maker's Mark is aged in charred new American oak barrels for a minimum of six years, developing its signature amber color and complex flavor profile. The brand is identifiable by its hand-dipped red wax seal on each bottle, a distinctive marketing and quality control feature introduced at inception.
Culinary Uses
In the kitchen, Maker's Mark bourbon serves multiple functions beyond sipping. It is employed in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Mint Julep, where its smooth, grain-forward character complements other ingredients without harsh alcohol bite. The whiskey is used in cooking to deglaze pans, particularly for beef and pork dishes, and to create bourbon-based sauces and glazes. Bakers and pastry chefs incorporate it into desserts, from bourbon pecan pie to bourbon vanilla ice cream, where it adds depth without overpowering sweetness. Its wheated character makes it suitable for applications where a mellow, less spicy bourbon profile is preferred.