Does Makers Mark get better with age?

Maker’s Mark is one of the most popular bourbon whiskeys in the world. It has a distinct and recognizable taste profile, thanks to its use of wheat instead of rye in the mashbill. Many whiskey enthusiasts wonder if letting a bottle of Maker’s Mark age for several years will improve or change the flavor. Here is an in-depth look at how Maker’s Mark tastes as it ages.

The Maker’s Mark Flavor Profile

First, let’s examine the key flavor notes in Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey:

  • Sweet and vanilla – Maker’s Mark has a noticeably sweet taste due to its use of red winter wheat in place of rye. It also ages for 5-7 years in new charred oak barrels, which impart strong vanilla flavors.
  • Smooth and mellow – The wheat produces a softer, smoother mouthfeel compared to rye-based bourbons. Maker’s Mark is quite mellow and easy-drinking.
  • Caramel and spice – Notes of caramel, cinnamon, and baking spices emerge, especially on the finish.
  • Oaky and rich – The new charred oak barrels provide rich oak tannins and woody notes that balance out the sweetness.

This well-rounded and pleasant flavor profile is a big reason for Maker’s Mark’s popularity. So how does aging affect these flavors?

How Maker’s Mark Changes in the First Few Years

Nearly all bourbons continue to mature and change flavor after their initial aging period in barrels at the distillery. Maker’s Mark is aged for 5-7 years before bottling. Here’s how some of the main flavors transform in the first 1-5 years after the bottle is opened:

  • The oakiness mellows out a bit and integrates better with the wheat sweetness.
  • The vanilla notes become more pronounced.
  • The spices seem slightly more subdued.
  • It feels even smoother on the palate.

Overall, Maker’s Mark gradually becomes softer and more melded in the first several years. The rougher youthful edges give way to a velvety integrated flavor. Many enthusiasts find Maker’s Mark is at its peak at 3-5 years after the bottle is opened.

How Maker’s Mark Evolves After 5+ Years

After about 5 years, Maker’s Mark starts evolving in more dramatic ways:

  • The color noticeably darkens from an amber-red to a deep mahogany.
  • The caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors continue to intensify.
  • Fruity ester notes emerge, like apple, pear, or citrus.
  • The alcohol heat dissipates almost completely, leaving a very smooth sip.
  • The palate feels thicker, richer, and more concentrated.

Maker’s Mark essentially takes on more of the concentrated, complex flavor characteristics of an extra-aged bourbon. The trademark wheat sweetness integrates seamlessly with waves of fruit, caramel, vanilla and oak. Each sip is multilayered and silky smooth.

How Long to Age Maker’s Mark

Here are some general guidelines for aging Maker’s Mark after opening the bottle:

  • 1-3 years – Good for accentuating the soft, mellow notes.
  • 3-5 years – Often cited as the prime drinking window.
  • 5-10 years – Develops rich, complex flavors with a thicker mouthfeel.
  • 10-15 years – Takes on characteristics of a well-aged spirit, but may start losing vibrancy.

Of course, aging whiskey is a matter of personal taste and preference. Some Maker’s Mark fans enjoy it fresh and spirited. Others prefer it after years of oxidation smooths out the edges. It’s fun to taste verticals of different aged Maker’s Marks to experience the changes.

How to Age Maker’s Mark at Home

Here are some tips for aging Maker’s Mark at home:

  • Store upright in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or closet. Avoid direct light and heat.
  • Only age unopened bottles if you want to preserve freshness.
  • Consider using smaller bottles (375ml or 200ml) which oxidize faster than larger ones.
  • Write the opening date on the label so you know the age.
  • Use a whiskey tracker app or notebook to log your tasting notes over time.
  • Sample every 6-12 months to monitor the changes.

Aging Maker’s Mark for 3-5 years is a good timeframe before it may start losing vibrancy. But part of the fun is experimenting to find your own perfect sweet spot.

Does Maker’s Mark Go Bad Over Time?

Properly stored, Maker’s Mark has an exceptionally long shelf life. The high proof and new oak barrels act as preservatives. It’s not uncommon to find drinkable 50+ year old Maker’s Mark bottles.

However, there are a few signs Maker’s Mark may be past its prime after very long aging:

  • Color changes to very dark brown or black
  • Aroma becomes musty or dull
  • Flavors taste flat, muted, or like bitter oak
  • Mouthfeel becomes very thin or watery
  • Viscose residue clings to the glass

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to go ahead and finish the bottle instead of continuing to age it.

Key Considerations When Aging Maker’s Mark

Here are a few other factors to keep in mind when aging Maker’s Mark at home:

  • Air exposure – Limit oxygenation by keeping bottles upright and filled to at least 2/3 full.
  • Temperature changes – Avoid extreme temperature swings, which can accelerates aging.
  • Angel’s Share – Some liquid will evaporate over time, so top off from another bottle if needed.
  • Batch variation – Different batches and releases may age differently.

With proper storage and by tasting frequently, you can discover your own “sweet spot” for enjoying aged Maker’s Mark.

Does Frozen Maker’s Mark Change the Flavor?

Freezing Maker’s Mark will not hurt the flavor. However it can change the texture and mouthfeel due to the water content freezing:

  • Becomes thicker and more syrupy
  • Loses its smooth, silky texture
  • Feels “hotter” and more alcoholic

The frozen whiskey will return to normal after thawing out. But for the best drinking experience, it’s better to keep Maker’s Mark stored cool rather than freezing.

How Does Maker’s Mark 46 Age?

Maker’s Mark 46 is a bolder, barrel-strength version of the classic Maker’s Mark recipe. Here’s how it tends to evolve with extended aging:

  • The intense wood flavors mellow out more over time.
  • The higher alcohol heat dissipates, making it ultra-smooth.
  • The richer, bolder flavors become more integrated.
  • The dry oaky notes give way to caramel and vanilla.

Given its bold character, Maker’s 46 can benefit from extra aging. After 5-10 years, it takes on an incredibly rich, layered flavor that maintains the Maker’s Mark essence. The higher 110 proof helps preserve freshness during long aging.

Does Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Change with Age?

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is another barrel proof version, ranging from 108-114 proof. Like Maker’s 46, the explosive youthful flavors meld beautifully with extended time:

  • The alcohol heat tames significantly.
  • The massive oak presence gradually integrates.
  • Fruity esters and warm baking spices emerge.
  • It becomes decadently syrupy and rich-textured.

Aged 5+ years, Maker’s Cask Strength develops into perhaps the richest and most complex expression. The cask strength editions can age longer than normal Maker’s before losing character.

How Does Maker’s Mark 101 Age?

Maker’s Mark 101 proof is aged slightly longer than regular Maker’s Mark before bottling. Here’s how it tends to evolve with further aging:

  • The higher proof helps preserve freshness longer.
  • The oak tannins mellow out gradually over time.
  • It grows thicker and more viscous in texture.
  • The finish becomes longer, richer, and more layered.

Overall, Maker’s 101 develops in a similar fashion to regular Maker’s Mark, but at a slightly slower pace. The extra aging before bottling gives it a head start. It can typically age well for 10+ years.

How Does Flavored Maker’s Mark Age?

Maker’s Mark offers some flavored whiskies like Maker’s Mark with Mint Julep and Orange Twist. Here’s how aging affects these sweeter, flavored versions:

  • The additions like mint and citrus dissipate faster over time.
  • The vanilla and oak notes steadily intensify.
  • They tend to lose some vibrancy after 2-3 years.
  • The texture becomes thinner as flavors fade.

The inherent flavors diminish faster in the flavored Maker’s Marks. For best results, it’s better to enjoy these within 2-3 years before the whiskey notes take over.

Does Aged Maker’s Mark Need to Breathe?

Allowing bourbon to breathe in the glass or “open up” is often advised. However, Maker’s Mark doesn’t necessarily require extended breathing after long aging:

  • It mellows out over time in the bottle, becoming more integrated.
  • The flavors are well-fused together after years of oxidation.
  • A few minutes may help unleash the aromas.
  • But very long breathing dulls the subtleties.

Aged Maker’s Mark tastes delicious straight out of the bottle. Let it breathe for 5-10 minutes to awaken the nose. But avoid leaving it sitting out for too long.

Conclusion

In summary, Maker’s Mark evolves beautifully as it ages, developing richer, mellower flavors and a smoother finish. Many enthusiasts consider it ideal after approximately 3-5 years in the bottle. Beyond that, it continues maturing into an incredibly layered, complex spirit.

The wheat whiskey’s signature softness allows the various flavors to mingle harmoniously over time. Oxygenation tames the youthful edges and brings balance. Maker’s Mark makes a wonderful candidate for home aging experiments. With some patience and periodic sampling, you can unlock its most sublime and rewarding depths.

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