🥃 Maker's Mark 101
Maker's Mark 101 is the classic Maker's Mark recipe bottled at 101 proof, about 50.5% ABV, fuller than Classic. The producer's page lists it as a limited release, so availability depends on the market.
Is Maker's Mark 101 a different bourbon from the regular one? No: it is the classic Maker's Mark recipe at a higher strength, 101 proof, or about 50.5% ABV. The producer writes that 101 was a favourite of the founder Bill Samuels, who bottled a higher strength from several barrels. According to Bourbon Obsessed's review, 101 is fuller than Classic, with cherry, toffee, brown sugar and a longer finish.
The mash is the same as in the other Maker's Mark bourbons: 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley. The difference lies only in bottling: the strength is higher than Maker's Mark Classic but lower than Cask Strength. According to the same review, the age of these three expressions is close, about six to six and a half years. Sources disagree on availability: the producer's page calls it a limited release.
Why this matters to you. The 101 is the middle step between Classic and Cask Strength, and the whole range differs mainly in strength. Before looking for the 101 specifically, check whether it is available in your region. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol.
Facts
| Legal basis | USA: 27 CFR § 5.143 (bourbon: at least 51% corn, new charred oak barrels) |
|---|---|
| Raw material | Maker's Mark mash: 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Cask type | charred oak barrels |
| Minimum maturation | about 6–6.5 years per Bourbon Obsessed, no age statement |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 101 proof, about 50.5% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Maker's Mark 101 → packed in → 🍷 Oak barrel ← packed in ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🍷 Oak barrel
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it contains
- 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Maker's Mark, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Maker's Mark 46, 🥃 Maker's Mark Cask Strength, 🥃 Maker's Mark Classic, 🥃 Maker's Mark 46, 🥃 Maker's Mark Cask Strength, 🥃 Maker's Mark Classic
Frequently asked questions
Is Maker's Mark 101 a different recipe?
No. The producer describes a classic recipe bottled at a higher strength.
What is the ABV of Maker's Mark 101?
101 proof, which under the American convention equals about 50.5% ABV.
Is Maker's Mark 101 a permanent line or a limited release?
Sources disagree: the producer's page calls it a limited release, so availability depends on the market.
What is the difference between Maker's Mark 101 and Classic?
Strength: Classic is 45% ABV, 101 is about 50.5%. The mash is the same: 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley.
How does 101 compare with Cask Strength?
It sits in the middle: stronger than Classic, but below Cask Strength, which is roughly 53.5–57% ABV depending on the batch.
What to read next
- 🥃 Maker's Mark 46 — Maker's Mark 46 is fully matured Maker's Mark finished in a barrel with ten toasted French oak staves; 47% ABV (94 proof) per Difford's Guide. More oak than Classic, no age statement. The producer's page gives two ABV figures.
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🍷 Oak barrel — A wooden vessel made of oak staves in which wine matures, picks up new aromas and slowly takes in air.
- 🥃 Maker's Mark Cask Strength — Maker's Mark Cask Strength is barrel-proof Maker's Mark bottled undiluted: 107–114 proof (about 53.5–57% ABV) depending on the batch, aged at least seven years, in small batches of around 24 barrels.
Similar
🥃 Maker's Mark Cask Strength · 🥃 Maker's Mark 46 · 🥃 Maker's Mark Classic · 🥃 Four Roses Bourbon · 🥃 Four Roses Small Batch · 🥃 Four Roses Small Batch Select
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Maker's Mark: Maker's Mark 101 (classic recipe at a higher proof, 101 proof; page title: limited release)
- Bourbon Obsessed: Maker's Mark Bourbon: Proof Matters (Original 90, 101, Cask Strength 108–114 proof; same mash bill)
- Difford's Guide: Maker's Mark Distillery (70 % corn, 16 % soft red winter wheat, 14 % malted barley; 6 to 7,5 years; Maker's 46)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)