Maker's Mark won't cut alcohol content

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LORETTO, Ky., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The distillers of Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey say they have decided not to cut the Kentucky-produced beverage's alcohol volume from 45 percent to 42 percent.

The company released a statement saying production of its 45 percent alcohol whiskey would resume Monday after widespread criticism of its plans to cut the alcohol content to prevent shortages amid increasing demand, CNNMoney reported Monday.

"You spoke. We listened. And we're sincerely sorry we let you down," the company's statement read. "While we thought we were doing what's right, this is your brand -- and you told us in large numbers to change our decision."

Rob Samuels, chief operating officer of Maker's Mark, said thousands of customers contacted the company with phone calls, emails and social media posts to make it "very clear" that they disagreed with the company's planned move.