Comments on: Maker’s Mark Hires Jimmy Fallon and #FAILS

By: RonBorg

RonBorg — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:00:57 +0000

I don’t find his voice to be all that recognizable. It certainly doesn’t match what you think of when you hear the word “whiskey”. Looks to me like an attempt too hook up with younger customers. My choice for the voice of a whiskey commercial would be Sam Elliot.

By: Fallonfan

Fallonfan — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:35:38 +0000

It worked for me! I was on my iPad with the tv on not paying attention to it till I heard Fallon’s voice! I rewound it to see what the commercial was for….just cause I recognized his voice!

By: ginidietrich

ginidietrich — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:49:44 +0000

@backyardppc Thanks for your comment. As the main author on this blog, I will tell you that we ask our guest authors to state an opinion and then welcome feedback from our community. While I appreciate you don’t like that approach, it’s how we do things around here.

By: backyardppc

backyardppc — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:50:27 +0000

Why ask an opinion at the end of your blog post when you’ve already created a title tag that says “Makers Mark…Fails”? You know very well that your title tag serves as judge, jury and executioner for the spot, then act like the subject is up for debate. It’s poor journalism. Either title it as you did and stick by your opinion (that’s what an opinion piece does) or title it “Maker’s Mark Hires Fallon, But Does The Image Match The Voice?” and THEN ask opinions. But please, don’t insult our intelligence with this best of both worlds blogging 101 BS.

By: JoshGardner1

JoshGardner1 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:04:26 +0000

@AdamZ@marksherrick

Heaven forbid you look for a cheaper cocktail @ a bar. Sure, absurd for a location in a major city? Take a look @ where your bar is, cocktails inflate in price like gasoline.

By: JoshGardner1

JoshGardner1 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:01:37 +0000

I think you’re spending way too much time reading into Fallon’s spokesperson position @ Maker’s Mark. Personally, I love the ad, and Fallon’s voiceover sounds humble and truly supportive of the product. I believe that Fallon’s role in the ad creates a humble persona in the ad. One that presents a fan of the product and doesn’t even try to mention who the voiceover talent is. The main question here is: Why is the talent in question?

By: NancyM.

NancyM. — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:35:18 +0000

I think the spokesperson needs to be related to the brand in more than one way and preferably on a personal level in order to be convincing and to represent the brand properly.

By: MissVoiceOver

MissVoiceOver — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:18:13 +0000

As a voice over artist with many years of radio advertising experience, my perception is a little different here, but echoes many of your thoughts. I do take issue with the word “we” in copy when the person saying “we” isn’t part of the company and is recognizable. When a radio DJ voices a commercial it’s a good rule to never have them say “we” for obvious reasons. This is a bit different because I really don’t think Jimmy’s voice is all that recognizable in this spot. Had I never come across this article, I wouldn’t have given it another thought. What I would’ve taken issue with is the sound of the voice. As most of you know, the “guy/girl next door” sound for commercials is very much in trend and this is what they’re going for here. But I don’t think Jimmy was the best selection. He’s got the “guy next door” tone but I think they could’ve done better to bring attention to their brand with a voice that has a more unique sound to it. Adam, I agree, why pay the premium for Fallon unless you’re going to get him on-camera or in print? To me, his voice is just too bland. And I still stick with, unless you’re an unfamiliar voice or name…never use copy that gives the impression the speaker has ties to the company.

By: ChrisSmith

ChrisSmith — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:43:46 +0000

@ginidietrich I instantly recognized his voice. I believe it worked because otherwise I may have never givin Maker’s Mark a second thought.

By: antoniowhite

antoniowhite — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:46:22 +0000

@StoneSTL

StoneSTL. Stone, I’m in agreement with you mostly, but i think Sam Elliot skews a bit old and far too Cowboy for their audience. Jon Hamm could work, but I think he’s working hard not to get typecast as Don Draper. Without the slick hair, Hamm can’t sell Maker’s Mark, but do you know who could? Bruce Willis. Bruce has intergenerational appeal, the wise crackery of a Fallon and is a believable Bourbon drinker who could connect with younger and older folks alike who enjoy a good time at the bar. He’s got a big city vibe that also appeals to small town folks. Of course I’d cut the line about “Our founder.”