What bourbon is better/sweeter than Makers Mark?

[TheGerman]

Was getting into bourbon and taking a break from cognac. Found myself getting into a bottle of Maker's I had left sit on my bar for a while after receiving it as a gift and kind of letting it hang out.

A little splash and it was enjoyable, smooth, but just kind of lacked a little something to make it 'great'.

What's in the region of Makers, but better? I tend to like sweeter that can be drank neat and/or with just a splash. One thing to note is that I really enjoyed how smooth Makers was; I absoutely HATE alcohol aftertaste.

Had a few ideas, but haven't tried them. I'll be in Vegas this coming week to stock up, so looking for suggestions of what I may end up really liking.

Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses Small Batch
Woodford Reserve
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Buffalo Trace
Weller?

 

[Deleted member 113831]

Was getting into bourbon and taking a break from cognac. Found myself getting into a bottle of Maker's I had left sit on my bar for a while after receiving it as a gift and kind of letting it hang out.

A little splash and it was enjoyable, smooth, but just kind of lacked a little something to make it 'great'.

What's in the region of Makers, but better? I tend to like sweeter that can be drank neat and/or with just a splash. One thing to note is that I really enjoyed how smooth Makers was; I absoutely HATE alcohol aftertaste.

Had a few ideas, but haven't tried them. I'll be in Vegas this coming week to stock up, so looking for suggestions of what I may end up really liking.

Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses Small Batch
Woodford Reserve
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Buffalo Trace
Weller?

Maker's Mark is a "wheater", although a poor example. It uses wheat in lieu of rye to some extent, which makes it smoother.

You can choose Maker's 46 which is higher quality, or go with another quality "wheater" such as Larceny (my favorite) or Weller's Antique 107, or Old Fitzgerald.

Or, since you aren't poor...Pappy Van Winkle is the most sought after and expensive, though Pappy's is rumored to be nothing more than hand picked and carefully aged Weller's 107.

 

[MtnCreek]

Sweet whiskey? Sounds like crown royal. I'm not a fan.

Woodford is good, smooth. Had a glass last night. I wouldn't call it sweet. I almost bought woodford wheat by mistake. I probably should have tried it. Also had two hefeweissbier dunkels.

 

[TheGerman]

Sweet whiskey? Sounds like crown royal. I'm not a fan.

Woodford is good, smooth. Had a glass last night. I wouldn't call it sweet. I almost bought woodford wheat by mistake. I probably should have tried it. Also had two hefeweissbier dunkels.

Im curious if Woodford Wheat would be something Id be looking for.

 

[MtnCreek]

Worth a try. I've only had the plain bourbon and the double oaked. I didn't care for the double oaked.

 

[Sieg]

Might try Bushmills Black Bush, it's flavors and character really surprised me.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

Might try Bushmills Black Bush, it's flavors and character really surprised me.

If he were to deviate into Irish whiskeys, then Bushmills Red Bush is aged in bourbon barrels and is quite smooth and tasty.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Eagle Rare or Elijah, or for a bit on the wild find a bottle of Monkey Shoulder, or even Jameson Caskmates (preferably the Stout edition).

@MtnCreek got it right tho. 100% sweet would be some of the flavored Crown’s. The Vanilla is mighty tasty either sipped on the rocks or splashed with some coke.

 

[duke308]

Knob Creek, is my go to for when I am drinking neat.

 

[krw]

For the price range, Buffalo Trace is hard to beat. Smooth, Tasty, with an easy finish

 

[C_R_Slacker]

Not technically bourbon because it's not aged in new barrels, but Michter's American Whiskey is fantastic. I second four roses single barrel/small batch. I'll also add Basil Hayden's to the list. I tend to like bourbons with a higher rye content though, so if you like the wheatier ones, you may not like my recommendations. I'm sipping on an old fashioned made with bulleit as i type this. For those checking time stamps, yes, it's 6:46 a.m. I'm working midnights right now.

 

[deltawiskey]

Try Buffalo Trace, you won't be disappointed.
"This deep amber whiskey has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. Pleasantly sweet to the taste with notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise. This whiskey finishes long and smooth with serious depth."
DW

 

[Spdy]

We went to a friends barbecue in TX and there was a bourbon tasting table. The guys dropping them off were enthusiasts so all pretty good bourbons. After sipping the different bourbons over the day my choice was Blantons first, followed by Angels Envy and than Woodford reserve. I wouldn't call these sweet. I found a bottle of Blantons and enjoy it with one or two DROPS of water..

 

[Rstrick0352]

Basil Hayden for your delicate palate.

 

[fx77]

Joseph Finch if you can find it and afford it

Sold at auction Joseph Finch 15 Years Old 1981, 1 750ml bottle (oc) Auction Number 2853T Lot Number 1693 | Skinner Auctioneers

Sold at auction Joseph Finch 15 Years Old 1981, 1 750ml bottle (oc) for sale in auction. Auction Number 2853T, Lot Number 1693. Bid on similar items for sale at auction

www.skinnerinc.com

 

[leftyk82]

Most of some of the sought after labels, regardless of price, are made by Buffalo Trace. In my area, they are allocated such that stores only get X number of bottles based on what is produced and how well the store sells their product.

I would recommend the following:

Blanton’s
Weller 107
EH Taylor Single Barrel
Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel
Angel’s Envy Rye
Willett Small Batch Rye
Stagg Jr.

 

[Maggot]

Maker's Mark is a "wheater", although a poor example. It uses wheat in lieu of rye to some extent, which makes it smoother.

You can choose Maker's 46 which is higher quality, or go with another quality "wheater" such as Larceny (my favorite) or Weller's Antique 107, or Old Fitzgerald.

Or, since you aren't poor...Pappy Van Winkle is the most sought after and expensive, though Pappy's is rumored to be nothing more than hand picked and carefully aged Weller's 107.

Pappy's is as close to Cognac as Ive found. No burn or strong after taste.

Speaking of no Bern....

 

[wilb]

Not bourbon, but I enjoy Gentleman Jack. Sweeter than bourbons, smooth, and easy to find.

 

[Crang]

Most of some of the sought after labels, regardless of price, are made by Buffalo Trace. In my area, they are allocated such that stores only get X number of bottles based on what is produced and how well the store sells their product.

I would recommend the following:

Blanton’s
Weller 107
EH Taylor Single Barrel
Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel
Angel’s Envy Rye
Willett Small Batch Rye
Stagg Jr.

This is spot on. For the $ Buffalo Trace is the most straight sippable for me at the lowest price point. I only like Woodford if I leave it open a few days with the cap off before pouring it- then I really like it. When feeling spendy Blantons and Willett are the go-tos. Also Rowans Creek and/or Noahs Mill also from the Willett distillery are worth the price of admission-

 

[broncoaz]

I went to a tasting for Garrison Brothers recently. I preferred their standard blend to their single barrel, but I don’t know much about bourbon.

 

[dirthead1]

My favorite bourbon is High West Whiskey's American Prairie Bourbon.

American Prairie Bourbon | High West Whiskey

American Prairie™ Bourbon is a complex blend of straight bourbons producing an aromatic whiskey that helps preserve the West. ABV: 46%92 Proof

www.highwest.com

 

[armorpl8chikn]

@TheGerman
After reading the other replies, it is clear to me, I may well be a drunk. No one else has mentioned the bourbon you asked about, which could mean I get around like a cheap whore.

The bourbon you seek is Old Forester Statesman. I reviewed it here somewhere, and mentioned it being so sweet I almost thought they put syrup in it, which they don't. It's pretty good, but almost too sweet for me. You may like it.

Elijah Craig is good likker too, very good.

Makers doesn't even get a nod from me at all.

 

[MrSmith]

For sweet, try American Honey. It's a Wild Turkey product. No adders and room temp.

Too good to have around.

Thank you,
MrSmith

 

[Nik H]

Widow Jane
Blanton's
E.H. Taylor

 

[TheGerman]

For sweet, try American Honey. It's a Wild Turkey product. No adders and room temp.

Too good to have around.

Thank you,
MrSmith

I dont want anything added, thats not really a bourbon its more of a whiskey with syrup added.

I don't mean sweet like fake syrup, I just dont like alchol aftertaste and I know some people love a lot of oak and smoke and literally fight with their drink, but I prefer sweeter.

 

[padom]

Blantons and EH Taylor are my go to. I have some awesome 100% Rye craft whiskey @1J04 sent me which is AMAZING.

 

[TACC]

Most of some of the sought after labels, regardless of price, are made by Buffalo Trace. In my area, they are allocated such that stores only get X number of bottles based on what is produced and how well the store sells their product.

I would recommend the following:

Blanton’s
Weller 107
EH Taylor Single Barrel
Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel
Angel’s Envy Rye
Willett Small Batch Rye
Stagg Jr.

Great list right there.

 

[Sieg]

I have this on the shelf, really curious what tastes like. I've heard it's pretty good.

 

[bnanaphone]

I prefer sweeter bourbons as well. I really like Makers 46, Blantons, Stag Jr and Angels Envy Rye (a limited release but an amazing rye that is so smooth and has notes of caramel). Ironically, I don’t like the regular Angels Envy either. Their rye is special.

Good luck

 

[Soulezoo]

OP, ultimately, what you like is what you like. There's a lot of variation out there. You've indicated by the mention of Makers that you may gravitate toward wheaters. Skookum in post 2 pretty much nailed it. Just about every thing else suggested is either not a wheater, (a rye mash bill that adds spice and removes the softness you seek), or at a proof level you will find disagreeable. Or is just not a bourbon at all.

So, as you begin the journey, and let it be that, visit some whiskey bars and taste some variety to see what you like. You may be surprised.

So based on a perceived taste profile, I would point you first to Wellers 12 if you can find it. The Antique 107 is going to be too hot for you. Larceny is an excellent lower cost choice. Old Fitz is worth a try. My best choice for you is a little unobtanium, but Pappy 20 year old is tops or Van Winkle 12 year old. Except for the Larceny, those can be really hard to find and expensive. Try them at a good whiskey bar.
Frankly, the two bourbons that I would steer you to as a beginner would be Eagle Rare and Elijah Craig small batch. Those are both low rye mashbills and very nice pours. Readily available and under $30. Woodford Reserve is often recommended to beginners as well because it is so average. It stands out in no real way but does not offend either. Personally, I only like Woodford at barrel strength, but that's just me.

 

[Switchblade]

Sweet in a bourbon comes down to two things. Taste, and served temperature. Sweet is also based on the taste notes of vanilla, caramel, and banana. The colder a higher rye bourbon is served, teh more the vanilla and banana notes bring on a sweet flavor.
There is one bourbon that does this consistently, but I like the price it is at right now so telling everyone and his brother so demand skyrockets and supply diminishes driving price up, nope learned that lesson from Black Maple Hill when I could get it. Now the fuckers in California got a lock on it becuase I talked.
So I'll just keep my favorite in the freezer and our into its frozen glass on a big block cube for that sweet heaven vanilla banana taste that sends me straight to heaven when I drink it

 

[SilentStalkr]

Was getting into bourbon and taking a break from cognac. Found myself getting into a bottle of Maker's I had left sit on my bar for a while after receiving it as a gift and kind of letting it hang out.

A little splash and it was enjoyable, smooth, but just kind of lacked a little something to make it 'great'.

What's in the region of Makers, but better? I tend to like sweeter that can be drank neat and/or with just a splash. One thing to note is that I really enjoyed how smooth Makers was; I absoutely HATE alcohol aftertaste.

Had a few ideas, but haven't tried them. I'll be in Vegas this coming week to stock up, so looking for suggestions of what I may end up really liking.

Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses Small Batch
Woodford Reserve
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Buffalo Trace
Weller?

Personally, I never have understood the allure of Makers Mark. I’m not really a fan. I’d take Woodford over Makers any day. It’s not sweet tho.

 

[teele1]

Buffalo Trace neat is my favorite my better half, she's partial to Four Roses Single barrel neat
too smooth for me i could drink an entire fifth in an evening

 

[whatsupdoc]

I have this on the shelf, really curious what tastes like. I've heard it's pretty good.

View attachment 7155003

View attachment 7155004

Bottled 1943, NICE.

That bottle is worth a few dollars, but man you need to drink that old Brown Forman juice and send me a sample.

 

[Healy]

Buffalo trace is good but the cash
very old Barton is just as good if not better for the money.

Knob creek
Woodford
Wild turkey 101
Rare breed
Kentucky spirit
Blantons
Bookers
Angels envy
Russell’s reserve
Anything four roses makes
Anything old grandad
Michter’s

 

[SilentStalkr]

How about some Angels Envy,!Jeffersons or some Corner Creek or even Red Breast?

 

[Soulezoo]

Just no!^^^

Especially Angel's Envy. That is swill. Very thin.

 

[TACC]

Due to this thread, went to pick something up a little different, got a chance to try some before purchase also. Very smooth stuff.

Boondocks

 

[el-wood]

Since you are asking for opinions ill chime in, makers mark is very over rated and not worth what it cost. However Basil Hayden is very good especially for the price point.....but as someone else mentioned, your not poor so buy some Pappy Van Winkle 22 year and make your pallet happy.

 

[SilentStalkr]

Since you are asking for opinions ill chime in, makers mark is very over rated and not worth what it cost. However Basil Hayden is very good especially for the price point.....but as someone else mentioned, your not poor so buy some Pappy Van Winkle 22 year and make your pallet happy.

Very overrated imo!

 

[Soulezoo]

Very overrated imo!

What is?

 

[rhsc]

I get the sense that what you want isn't really so much "sweet" but rather a quality whiskey that doesn't have an overly aggressive flavor profile. Jefferson's Reserve Very Old is a blended bourbon that my nephew introduced to me recently that might be right up your alley. I'm more of a Scotch whisky guy, but Jefferson's really made a positive impression on me as one of those rare bourbons that has the complexity and subtlety that I look for in Scotch. It's very good stuff.

 

[SilentStalkr]

What is?

Maker’s Mark...

 

[Middle Man]

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery

 

[Dewey7271]

I dont want anything added, thats not really a bourbon its more of a whiskey with syrup added.

I don't mean sweet like fake syrup, I just dont like alchol aftertaste and I know some people love a lot of oak and smoke and literally fight with their drink, but I prefer sweeter.

Pick up a bottle of Angel’s Envy. Finished in port barrels gives it a touch of sweet. Not overpowering but imo just right.

 

[TheGerman]

Pick up a bottle of Angel’s Envy. Finished in port barrels gives it a touch of sweet. Not overpowering but imo just right.

I was making a list and had that on it but there isnt a single Total Wine in the Las Vegas area that has a bottle. Apparently Weller can't be found either.

And for the Pappy guys, I'd really need to do the same thing I do with certain cognacs with that; find someone that has it and let me try it before spending 500$+ for something to find out it sucks.

 

[Middle Man]

I was making a list and had that on it but there isnt a single Total Wine in the Las Vegas area that has a bottle. Apparently Weller can't be found either.

And for the Pappy guys, I'd really need to do the same thing I do with certain cognacs with that; find someone that has it and let me try it before spending 500$+ for something to find out it sucks.

High end, limited availability bottles of Weller and the Antique Collection bourbons from Buffalo Trace will be hitting the market in October and November.

 

[drglock]

 

[Nik H]

I was making a list and had that on it but there isnt a single Total Wine in the Las Vegas area that has a bottle. Apparently Weller can't be found either.

And for the Pappy guys, I'd really need to do the same thing I do with certain cognacs with that; find someone that has it and let me try it before spending 500$+ for something to find out it sucks.

Nice thread....

@TheGerman

I keep saying to spend the $75 and get a bottle of Widow Jane...If you can't get it in UT, I would be happy to coordinate sending you a bottle. Everything you see on this thread is ho hum...including Pappy. Same names....blah, blah blah. I don't think you will find a better bourbon....just perfect and only $75.

I have a long and constant experience with all manner of whiskeys....grain and/or grape...

 

[SilentStalkr]

Meh, screw it, just go get you a real drink, some Wild Irish Rose! ??