From the bourbon list, Maker’s Mark is one of the most recognized and respected names in American whiskey, a soft, rounded wheated bourbon that is a true crowd-pleaser here in Kirkland ($11 by the pour, or $16.50 for a larger pour).
About Maker’s Mark
Introduced to the market in 1959, Maker’s Mark has become one of the most recognized and respected brands of American whiskey. What sets it apart from most bourbons is its mash bill: Maker’s uses winter wheat in place of rye, which gives it those soft, well-rounded flavors people love. Rather than blending strictly by age, the distillery rotates its barrels in the warehouse and blends to taste, which keeps the finished product remarkably consistent from bottle to bottle. Maturation typically runs around five to seven years.
Tasting Notes
Using wheat in place of rye gives Maker’s a gentle, mellow profile, leaning on sweet vanilla, caramel, and soft baking spice rather than sharp pepper. It is smooth, approachable, and easy to enjoy, the kind of bourbon that wins over newcomers and longtime drinkers alike.
What to Pair It With
This is a classic sipping and cocktail bourbon. Enjoy it neat, over one large cube, or in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. From the Sparrow dinner menu it pairs wonderfully with the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the Truffle Deviled Eggs, and it is a favorite nightcap in our 21+ lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maker’s Mark different from other bourbons?
Maker’s Mark uses winter wheat in place of rye on its mash bill, which gives it a softer, more well-rounded flavor. It launched in 1959 and is blended to taste rather than strictly by age for consistency.
How much is a pour of Maker’s Mark at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland it is $11 by the pour, or $16.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.