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Maker’s Mark Cask Strength vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Johnny Drum Private Stock reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +9 proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$35 – $45 ~$5 less |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 9/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 7/5 heat: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).