Maker's Mark is not owned by Jim Beam. In fact, both Jim Beam and Maker's Mark are owned by the same company, Suntory Holdings. Suntory, a Japanese company, acquired Jim Beam in 2014, making it the world's largest spirits company. This acquisition brought together two iconic American bourbon brands under the same ownership.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of working with both Jim Beam and Maker's Mark in my career. While they are both bourbon brands, they each have their own distinct characteristics and loyal followings.
Jim Beam is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile, with hints of vanilla and oak. It has a rich history and has been a staple in American whiskey for over 200 years. The brand offers a range of expressions, from the classic Jim Beam White Label to the more premium Jim Beam Black Label and Jim Beam Single Barrel.
On the other hand, Maker's Mark is famous for its unique red wax seal and handcrafted approach to bourbon-making. It is known for its distinctive, sweet flavor profile, with notes of caramel and wheat. Maker's Mark is often described as a softer and more approachable bourbon, making it popular among both connoisseurs and casual whiskey drinkers.
When Suntory acquired Jim Beam, it also gained ownership of Maker's Mark, along with other well-known bourbon brands like Knob Creek and Basil Hayden. This acquisition allowed Suntory to diversify its portfolio and expand its presence in the American whiskey market.
It is worth noting that despite being owned by the same company, Jim Beam and Maker's Mark continue to operate as separate brands with their own unique identities. Each brand has its own dedicated team of distillers and maintains its own production methods and aging techniques.
While Maker's Mark is not owned by Jim Beam, they are both owned by Suntory Holdings, a Japanese company. This acquisition has brought together two iconic bourbon brands under the same ownership, showcasing the global reach and influence of the whiskey industry.