Maker’s Mark is the classic red-wax wheated bourbon poured at Grappa, the Mediterranean restaurant in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Distilled in Loretto, Kentucky, it is one of the most recognizable names in American whiskey, and we keep it on the list for its soft, rounded sweetness, a gentle and welcoming pour to settle into over dinner on Boston Street.

About the Distillery

Maker’s Mark is produced at its distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, a picturesque site that has become a National Historic Landmark. The brand was established by the Samuels family in the 1950s and is known for hand-dipping each bottle in its signature red wax. Every bottle still carries that unmistakable seal, a small ceremony that speaks to the care behind the whisky.

Style & Mash Bill

Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon, meaning soft red winter wheat takes the place of rye as the flavoring grain alongside a base of corn and malted barley. Wheat lends a rounder, gentler character without the peppery bite of a rye-forward bourbon. It is matured in new charred oak and famously rotated by hand within the warehouses to even out the aging.

Tasting Notes

The nose carries vanilla, caramel and warm baked bread, with hints of soft fruit and oak. On the palate it is smooth and mellow, with honeyed sweetness, caramel and a touch of toasted grain. The finish is clean and gently warming, easygoing and approachable from first sip to last.

What to Pair It With

The soft sweetness of Maker’s Mark pairs gracefully with our flourless chocolate cake and makes a comforting match for our Sicilian meatballs. It also rounds out a thoughtfully built charcuterie board. See the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

We pour Maker’s Mark neat or over ice at $11, however you like to take it.

FAQ

Where is it from?

Maker’s Mark is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky, at its historic family-founded distillery known for hand-dipping each bottle in red wax.

What does it taste like?

It is soft and mellow, with vanilla, caramel and honeyed sweetness and a clean, gently warming finish.

Is it a high-rye or wheated bourbon?

It is a wheated bourbon. Maker’s Mark uses soft red winter wheat in place of rye, which gives it a rounder, gentler character.

When you are ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.