Maker's Mark is made from a mash bill that consists of three main grains: corn, soft winter wheat, and malted barley. This particular combination of grains is what gives Maker's Mark its distinct flavor profile and sets it apart from other bourbons.
The first grain in the mash bill is corn, which makes up 70% of the total mixture. Corn is a common grain used in bourbon production due to its high starch content, which is necessary for fermentation. Corn also contributes a slightly sweet and mellow flavor to the final product. This sweetness helps balance out the other flavors and gives Maker's Mark its smooth and approachable taste.
The second grain used in Maker's Mark is soft winter wheat, which makes up 16% of the mash bill. The use of wheat in the mash bill is one of the unique characteristics of Maker's Mark. Most bourbons use rye as the secondary grain, but Maker's Mark has chosen to use wheat instead. This choice results in a softer and more delicate flavor profile compared to bourbons with a higher rye content. The wheat contributes to a smoother mouthfeel and adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the whiskey.
The final grain in the mash bill is malted barley, which accounts for 14% of the mixture. Malted barley is a key ingredient in the bourbon-making process as it contains enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars. These sugars are essential for the yeast to convert into alcohol during fermentation. By including malted barley in the mash bill, Maker's Mark eliminates the need to add additional enzymes to the mashing process. This simplifies the production process and ensures a consistent and efficient conversion of starches into sugars.
The combination of 70% corn, 16% soft winter wheat, and 14% malted barley in Maker's Mark's mash bill creates a bourbon with a unique and balanced flavor profile. The corn provides sweetness, while the wheat adds smoothness and the malted barley aids in the conversion of starches. This careful selection and proportion of grains contribute to Maker's Mark's reputation as a premium bourbon loved by many whiskey enthusiasts.