Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Maker's Mark to Dilute Bourbon by 7 Percent

Much to everyone's chagrin

By: @catyenders)

Distiller Beam Inc. has raised hackles with the announcement that it plans to water down the bourbon Maker's Mark by three percent in an attempt to meet overwhelming demand. Unfortunately, according to The Atlantic, the manufacturer's three percent ABV reduction works out to an actual alcohol loss of 6.7 percent.

The reaction has been swift and largely negative, but it will be a few weeks before the new formula will hit the shelves.

The proof, so to speak, will be in the pouring. Huerta, who is set to open a bourbon bar in Houston this spring that will feature up to 150 bourbons—if they are available—said she’s worried that Maker’s, which has always been a trendsetter in the industry, is setting a dangerous precedent.

“It’s been difficult to get Maker’s for the last several months, supply has been so tight,” Alba [Huerta, general manager of the nationally renowned cocktail bar Anvil] said. “And other distilleries are in the same position as Maker’s, without enough product to go around. But with this decision, I fear that dilution will become the solution for other distilleries, too.”

“I’d rather wait six months and fight to get the whiskey I want than to put something on my shelf that is inferior.”

Via Time

Want the latest news from the outdoors?   

More at Outside

Subscribe
to Outside
Now with
iPad Access

Magazine Cover

Plus 2 Outside Buyer's Guides included with your purchase!

GUIDES

Find the Best

Current Issue Outside Magazine

Subscribe and get a great deal! Two free Buyer's Guides plus a free GoLite Sport Bottle. Monthly delivery of Outside—your ultimate resource for today's active lifestyle. All that and big savings!

Free Newsletters

Dispatch This week's featured articles, reviews, and videos. Sent twice weekly.
News From the Field The most important breaking news from around the Web. Sent daily.
Gear of the Day The latest products, reviews, and editors' picks. Coming soon.
Outside Partners Outside-approved deals and special offers from select partners. Sent occasionally.

Ask a Question

Our gear experts await your outdoor-gear-related questions. Go ahead, ask them anything.

* We might edit your question for length or clarity. If it's not about gear, we'll just ignore it.