As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on why Maker's Mark bourbon is hard to find. Maker's Mark is a unique and highly sought-after brand of bourbon, known for its distinct taste and smoothness. However, there are a few factors that contribute to its scarcity in the market.
One of the main reasons for the difficulty in finding Maker's Mark is its ownership by spirits company Beam Inc., which is based in Deerfield, Illinois. Beam Inc. also owns other popular brands such as Jim Beam bourbon. With multiple brands under its portfolio, Beam Inc. has to allocate its resources and production capacity to meet the demand for all its products. This can sometimes result in limited availability of certain brands, including Maker's Mark.
Furthermore, Maker's Mark has been facing a supply shortage in recent years. This shortage is particularly notable given the ongoing expansion of its operations, which has cost the company tens of millions of dollars. The expansion was undertaken to meet the increasing demand for Maker's Mark and to ensure a consistent supply for its loyal customer base.
However, the process of making Maker's Mark bourbon is not something that can be rushed. It involves aging the whiskey in charred oak barrels for a minimum of six years, giving it its distinct flavor profile. This aging process takes time and cannot be accelerated without compromising the quality of the product.
Additionally, Maker's Mark is known for its strict adherence to traditional production methods. They use a unique mash bill that includes red winter wheat, giving the bourbon its signature smoothness. This commitment to tradition and quality means that they cannot simply increase production overnight without compromising the integrity of their product.
The scarcity of Maker's Mark can also be attributed to its popularity. The brand has garnered a dedicated following of whiskey enthusiasts and collectors who eagerly seek out limited edition releases and special expressions. This high demand, coupled with the limited supply, creates a situation where the bourbon becomes harder to find.
The scarcity of Maker's Mark bourbon can be attributed to multiple factors. These include limited production capacity, a commitment to traditional production methods, a supply shortage despite ongoing expansion efforts, and the high demand from a dedicated fan base. As a result, finding a bottle of Maker's Mark can sometimes be a challenge, adding to its allure and desirability among whiskey lovers.