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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Comparing Johnny Drum Private Stock and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 ~$5 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength).