Remember way back to 9 days ago when Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey said they were dropping the proof of their famous libation in order to fulfill the overwhelming demand for product? (You can revisit it HERE)
Well… they were just kidding.
In what can either be a huge blunder that catapulted them into popular conversation… or pure marketing genius (which I seriously doubt), this little whiskey maker that could, is now on the forefront of nearly every booze-fueled conversation. Hell… I’d be REALLY anxious to see their sales numbers during this past week to see if people flocked to get the fully leaded version before it was gone.
In our opinion… as magnificent as Marker’s Mark can be, this little “event” has inspired us to take a hard look at our extracurricular drinking adventures. And quite honestly… we found some solid replacements. Right now, our favorite whiskey is a little bottler on the west coast by the name of Bowen’s Whiskey. When we say “little” we mean family owned and blowin’ up… and when we say “bottler” we mean full-fledged distillery. With mad skills and leprechauns filling bottles with dreams & poetic inspiration merely waiting on you to drink it down; there’s only one thing missing when it comes to Bowen’s Whiskey… you.
If you’re interested… here’s the full letter of apology forgiveness-begging psych where they state the uhhh… re-change:
You spoke. We listened.
Dear Friends,
Since we announced our decision last week to reduce the alcohol content (ABV) of Maker’s Mark in response to supply constraints, we have heard many concerns and questions from our ambassadors and brand fans. We’re humbled by your overwhelming response and passion for Maker’s Mark. While we thought we were doing what’s right, this is your brand – and you told us in large numbers to change our decision.
You spoke. We listened. And we’re sincerely sorry we let you down.So effective immediately, we are reversing our decision to lower the ABV of Maker’s Mark, and resuming production at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof). Just like we’ve made it since the very beginning.The unanticipated dramatic growth rate of Maker’s Mark is a good problem to have, and we appreciate some of you telling us you’d even put up with occasional shortages. We promise we’ll deal with them as best we can, as we work to expand capacity at the distillery.Your trust, loyalty and passion are what’s most important. We realize we can’t lose sight of that. Thanks for your honesty and for reminding us what makes Maker’s Mark, and its fans, so special.We’ll set about getting back to bottling the handcrafted bourbon that our father/grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr. created. Same recipe. Same production process. Same product.As always, we will continue to let you know first about developments at the distillery. In the meantime please keep telling us what’s on your mind and come down and visit us at the distillery. It means a lot to us.Sincerely,
Rob Samuels
Bill Samuels, Jr
Chief Operating Officer
Chairman Emeritus
I had the pleasure of attending an after hours event where Bowen’s was hosting the bar, and serving up shots in shot-glasses made of ice. I do enjoy Makers Mark but since that event I haven’t looked back. Bowen’s does a great job of producing a balanced mix of smooth, flavorful and potent. Highly recommended!
Yeah, Bowen’s is amazing stuff.
Bowen’s is delicious.