Maker’s Mark Decides Not To Cut Alcohol Volume After All

The whiskey producer planned to lower its ABV from 45 percent to 42 percent.

Image by Keith Bedford / Reuters

Nine days after announcing plans to reduce Maker’s Mark alcohol volume in order to boost supply, the company has reversed its controversial decision.

Maker’s Mark owners Rob and Bill Samuels issued the statement Sunday:

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.

And the whiskey continued to floweth: