tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post6672520783355904285..comments2024-02-28T07:23:12.706-04:00Comments on Jason's Scotch Whisky Reviews: Watered Down Maker's Mark?Jason Deblyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-58732753325916038682013-03-20T22:20:54.930-03:002013-03-20T22:20:54.930-03:00At least Maker's Mark didn't blend their b...At least Maker's Mark didn't blend their bourbon with Jim Beam and call it Maker's Mark Pure Bourbon. I mean who would be stupid enough to try that?Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13215982348779717643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-32883253501115399752013-03-20T20:57:50.921-03:002013-03-20T20:57:50.921-03:00Jason, Our group pulled together a quick comparati...Jason, Our group pulled together a quick comparative tasting of wheated Bourbons: MM, M46, Larceny, Old Fitz 12y, WL Weller 12y (each under $30 here). I struggle to recall a time when Makers Mark adequately satisfied a group of experienced tasters less. It's not aimed at the Bourbon lover, not any we know. Clearly, it is a legit product which sells like mad, but so do soda crackers. MM is the Jordan Vineyards Cabernet of the Bourbon industry: a gateway product not likely to satisfy the curious for long. It failed to meet our minimum requirements for Bourbon enjoyment, made clear among these bottles. May I boldly suggest your group try this same instructive experiment and report back ? JKJKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355557111713061160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-45588381028390657952013-02-17T20:29:31.657-04:002013-02-17T20:29:31.657-04:00Somehow I don't think my ramblings were the ti...Somehow I don't think my ramblings were the tipping point.<br /><br />As they put it, people spoke and they listened. They should be applauded for reversing their decision. This shows their commitment to their brand that we enjoy so much.<br /><br />Thank you for letting me know about this story. <br /><br />Hope all is well with your family.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-47323559142550292882013-02-17T16:02:59.770-04:002013-02-17T16:02:59.770-04:00News Flash -- Maker's Mark has backed off and ...News Flash -- Maker's Mark has backed off and will not water down their product. Thanks for convincing them of the error of their ways Jason.Dry heatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-76301626471628348742013-02-17T14:39:02.739-04:002013-02-17T14:39:02.739-04:00Hi Jason, it's worth mentioning that Buffalo T...Hi Jason, it's worth mentioning that Buffalo Trace has already taken this route, in fact even worse, from 45 to 40 (though in all fairness they have reduced the price). I have compared the old and new bottling; it's not that the 40% version is worse, it's that the 45 version just tastes so much richer. Real shame.<br /><br />Cheers, BorisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-69637982590047807412013-02-16T15:59:28.297-04:002013-02-16T15:59:28.297-04:00I hope it is not a trend, but it could become one ...I hope it is not a trend, but it could become one with rising production costs like scarcity of wood, rising salaries, warehouse overhead, etc. We have seen Jack Daniels go this route a few years ago too. <br /><br />My personal theory is that a lot of these decisions are made by the bean counters that are trying to raise shareholder value or meet ever increasing artificial targets for sales, profit margins, etc. This is due to the fact that these brands we enjoy and love are not small family run businesses, but rather belong to multinational corporations.<br /><br />I agree about Bunnahabhain and have a bottle of the 12 coming up for review shortly. Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-10074280090883840922013-02-16T15:51:05.532-04:002013-02-16T15:51:05.532-04:00I think you are correct.
Maker's Mark has bec...I think you are correct.<br /><br />Maker's Mark has become a very mainstream bourbon, unlike say Knob Creek or some of the Elijah Craig releases. So, knowing their market share is made up of casual consumers who put a premium on a gentle palate, making it even more gentle might please that market segment even more. The growth in market share may be greater than the attrition of serious bourbon fans.<br /><br />For me, I enjoy Maker's Mark. I think the fact that in the past the high abv of 45% was still delicate and refined was a testament to the great work of the distillery. To lower the ABV I fear may take away the layered complexity of this bourbon. As I said, the jury is still out till I get a bottle of the new stuff, but I will report on both once I do.<br /><br />Cheers!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-50889147698890999392013-02-16T15:45:03.394-04:002013-02-16T15:45:03.394-04:00Bill Samuels, Jr., in his letter on the Maker'...Bill Samuels, Jr., in his letter on the Maker's Mark website writes:<br /><br />"And, with regard to the price, the value of Maker’s Mark isn’t set by alcohol volume. It’s about the quality of the recipe and ingredients that go into it, all the handcrafting that goes into the production and how it tastes."<br /><br />In other words, the price will remain the same in spite of the lowered ABV.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-47945400058251266352013-02-16T14:41:56.715-04:002013-02-16T14:41:56.715-04:00Something worth remembering is that for both Maker...Something worth remembering is that for both Maker's and Knob Creek, it's the same ownership. Beam Global. The exact same people felt it was better to water down one whisky, and keep another the same and allow sales to run out.<br /><br />Watering down just seems like a bad idea. That was how Four Roses nearly died, and now they make damn good bourbon. Well, they always did, they just didn't sell it except in Japan and some in Europe. But it was known as rutgut in America and is only now coming back. I mean, this is quite literally diluting the brand.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I don't actually drink Maker's, but I guess I care because I don't want the trend to catch on. Just look at the new Bunnahabhain and other Burn Stewart whiskies. They all got bumped up to 46%, non-chill filtered, and they're better for it. The extra thickness is clearly worth it.The Bitter Fignoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-91557137348172706202013-02-16T13:23:34.406-04:002013-02-16T13:23:34.406-04:00Jason, I can't imagine drinking a thinner, nar...Jason, I can't imagine drinking a thinner, narrower version of the already conservatively-infused Marks Mark Bourbon. Not a fan of their tepid style, not at any price, much less at their shelf level. However, given its market support over the years, Makers may have done their homework correctly again. Perhaps they have correctly gauged that few of its loyal followers will notice any difference at all, and even that some may like its lighter form even more. JKJKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355557111713061160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-58187323954398383832013-02-16T10:51:44.401-04:002013-02-16T10:51:44.401-04:00What will be frustrating is when the lower-proof v...What will be frustrating is when the lower-proof version is priced the same. I had read that they were doing this to maintain enough of a supply (apparently the emerging Asian markets have taken more of a liking to MM than had been anticipated). It'd be one thing if they were doing this just to keep it on shelves, but they're probably using the high demand as an excuse to produce more at a lower price and then charge the same. Which is all well and good from a shareholder's perspective, but ouch.<br /><br />I guess the jury's out for me until a price is announced.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06295073538398862798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-75152542182158396632013-02-16T07:26:15.473-04:002013-02-16T07:26:15.473-04:00Actually, your comment brings to mind another impo...Actually, your comment brings to mind another important point. It is my understanding that some Scotch whisky distilleries have a limited supply of output each year and when it is gone, it is gone. That may drive prices up, but hey that is the free market.<br /><br />I believe Oban is an example.<br /><br />Cheers!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-80960446821746773832013-02-16T07:23:57.270-04:002013-02-16T07:23:57.270-04:00High ABV is not be all end all of whisky. As you ...High ABV is not be all end all of whisky. As you know, what makes whisky great is not determined solely by a high abv. <br /><br />And yes, you are right that they had to add water to bring it down to 46%. The decision of how much water to add is one of the very important decisions of the master distiller. Add too much water, he/she risks losing out on great flavor complexity. Not diluted enough, it will be too strong and over power any delicate notes. So, deciding the ABV is part art, craft and of course business acumen because you want to sell a lot also.<br /><br />I guess the Maker's Mark people decided the lower abv will ultimately boost sales. I dont think the decision was made to improve flavor because they do not claim this at all. <br /><br />All I know is that at 46% it is delightful, and I am unsure if it will be the same delight at 42%. The other point of the post was I find it hogwash that the Maker's Mark people made this decision out of concern to maintain supply.<br /><br />Thanks for commenting!<br /><br />Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-57674798953081476382013-02-16T03:05:52.687-04:002013-02-16T03:05:52.687-04:00Appreciate your perspective on this Jason. I seldo...Appreciate your perspective on this Jason. I seldom drink bourbon so am likely to be affected, but imagine if the folks who make Lagavulin decided to water it down. Now that would be something to get exorcised about!Dry heatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-59104994630534257552013-02-16T01:29:44.720-04:002013-02-16T01:29:44.720-04:00There must be a mistake in all the stories about t...There must be a mistake in all the stories about this, right? Am I missing something? I mean, they've been adding plenty of water to bring it down to the previous %46 already, right? It is column stilled after all (with colorant added, btw...)Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11796531913856410103noreply@blogger.com