Jim Beam Original vs Maker's Mark
Jim Beam Original and Maker's Mark, side by side: what each one is, who makes it, alcohol content, ingredients, sensory profile and flavor notes, all from the Bebidário profiles.
Which do you prefer?
The differences in a few lines
- Both are whiskies, in different styles: Jim Beam Original is kentucky Straight Bourbon, 4 years; Maker's Mark, kentucky bourbon whisky, no age statement.
- Maker's Mark is stronger: 45% ABV; Jim Beam Original has 40%.
- Different brands, same owner: Jim Beam and Maker's Mark both belong to Suntory Global Spirits.
- Both brands come from the USA.
- In Bebidário's sensory profile they are close: no difference reaches 1.5 points out of 10.
- Flavor notes they share: vanilla, old wood and cereal.
- Only in Jim Beam Original, dark caramel, black pepper and toffee; only in Maker's Mark, cream.
- Per 100 ml: Jim Beam Original, 223 kcal; Maker's Mark, 250 kcal.
Which one to choose?
- Want less alcohol? Jim Beam Original (40%).
- Looking for dark caramel, black pepper and toffee? Jim Beam Original.
- Looking for cream? Maker's Mark.
- Want fewer calories? Jim Beam Original (223 kcal per 100 ml).
Based on the differences in sensory profile, alcohol content and calories. In the end, your palate decides.
Side by side
| Jim Beam Original Whisky · USA | Maker's Mark Whisky · USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Whisky | Whisky |
| Brand | Jim Beam | Maker's Mark |
| Brand owner | Suntory Global Spirits | Suntory Global Spirits |
| Brand origin | USA | USA |
| Alcohol content | 40% ABV | 45% ABV |
| Type | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Kentucky bourbon whisky |
| Age | 4 years | No age statement |
| Fermentation | Sour mash | — |
| Casks | New oak, toasted on the inside | New charred white oak, hand-rotated |
| Distillation | — | Copper column and doubler |
| Grains | Corn as the main grain | 70% corn, 16% red wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Ingredients | Grain and malt. | Grain and malt. |
| Calories per 100 ml | 223 kcal | 250 kcal |
| Sweetness | 3.5 | 4 |
| Acidity | 3 | 3 |
| Body | 5.5 | 6 |
| Bitterness | 3 | 2.5 |
| Alcohol | 8 | 8.5 |
| Notes — first sip | dark caramelvanillablack pepper | old woodvanillacereal |
| Notes — mid-palate | old woodtoffeevanillacereal | old woodvanilla |
| Notes — finish | — | cream |
Data from the Bebidário drink profiles. The sensory profile goes from 0 to 10 and combines Bebidário's reference with community votes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Jim Beam Original and Maker's Mark?
Both are whiskies, in different styles: Jim Beam Original is kentucky Straight Bourbon, 4 years; Maker's Mark, kentucky bourbon whisky, no age statement. Maker's Mark is stronger: 45% ABV; Jim Beam Original has 40%. Different brands, same owner: Jim Beam and Maker's Mark both belong to Suntory Global Spirits. Both brands come from the USA.
Which is stronger, Jim Beam Original or Maker's Mark?
Maker's Mark is stronger: 45% ABV; Jim Beam Original has 40%.
Are Jim Beam Original and Maker's Mark made by the same company?
Yes. Different brands, same owner: Jim Beam and Maker's Mark both belong to Suntory Global Spirits.
Which is sweeter, Jim Beam Original or Maker's Mark?
They are about as sweet as each other in Bebidário's sensory profile (3.5 and 4, out of 10).
Which has fewer calories, Jim Beam Original or Maker's Mark?
Jim Beam Original. Per 100 ml: Jim Beam Original, 223 kcal; Maker's Mark, 250 kcal.
Read also
Comments
Which do you prefer and why? Tell us how you drink it, on what occasion and what felt different.
Tried them? Rate each one on its profile.