Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the elevated taste of Maker's Mark No. 46 French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky—an innovative expression crafted by finishing fully matured Maker’s Mark with ten seared virgin French oak staves for nine weeks in limestone cellars. This meticulous process imparts intense layers of flavor, resulting in a boldly complex bourbon with a bright maple hue, rich aromas of toasty French oak, caramel, and baking spices, and a palate brimming with deep vanilla, cinnamon, and hints of tropical fruit, clove, and allspice. Bottled at 94 proof, Maker’s Mark 46 delivers a velvety, long, and smooth finish, perfectly balancing a crescendo of wood with the signature sweetness of the original Maker’s Mark, making it an essential choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking sophistication and depth in every sip.
Process & Profile
Maker’s Mark No. 46 begins as fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon. What sets No. 46 apart is the finishing process: seared French oak staves, specifically “Stave 46” from the Independent Stave Company, are inserted into the barrel for an additional 9 weeks. Unlike traditional charring, these staves are lightly seared, imparting a new layer of flavor without overpowering the original spirit. The whisky is aged in a custom rock cellar, ensuring cooler, consistent maturation year-round, and it is tasted almost daily to achieve optimal readiness for bottling. The result is a 94 proof (47% ABV) spirit with a distinct complexity.Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Toasty French oak is evident, along with caramel and baking spices, offering an inviting and sophisticated nose.
- Palate: Expect a mildly sweet taste, uniquely layered. Deep, rich notes of vanilla and baking spices create an elevated and nuanced profile.
- Finish: Velvety and subtle, with a pleasingly long finish that lingers gently, highlighting the influence of French oak.
What Makes It Special
- Innovative Finishing: Maker’s 46 is the first major new expression from Maker’s Mark since 1958, conceived by Bill Samuels Jr., son of the founders.
- French Oak Staves: The finishing with seared French oak staves adds depth and complexity not found in the original bourbon, drawing out more vanilla, caramel, and spicy notes.
- Custom Maturation: The use of a rock cellar for finishing ensures a slow, precise aging process, yielding a refined spirit with consistently high quality.
- Handcrafted Consistency: Maker’s Mark maintains its reputation for quality through hand-rotating barrels and meticulous tasting throughout the aging process.
How to Enjoy
Maker’s Mark No. 46 shines neat or over a large ice cube, allowing its layered flavors to unfold. For cocktail enthusiasts, its higher proof and complexity bring elevated sophistication to classics like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned:- Manhattan: The richness and spicy undertones create a more dynamic Manhattan, perfect for savoring.
- Rosemary Maple Sour: Pair it with rosemary and maple syrup for a unique twist on a whiskey sour, accentuating the wood and spice notes.
- Fireside Manhattan: Enhance this elegant classic with seasonal ingredients to highlight the bourbon’s deeper profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maker's Mark No. 46 different from regular Maker's Mark?
Maker's Mark 46 starts as classic Maker’s Mark bourbon, but after the standard aging, it is finished with ten seared French oak staves inserted into the barrel and aged for an additional period, resulting in deeper, richer flavors and a more complex profile without adding bitterness.
What flavors and aromas can I expect from Maker's Mark 46?
Expect a layered aroma with toasty French oak, caramel, and baking spices. The palate delivers intense and rich notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and oak, complemented by hints of dried fruit, clove, ginger, and allspice. The finish is smooth, velvety, and pleasingly long.
How strong is Maker's Mark 46?
Maker's Mark 46 is bottled at 94 proof, which is 47% alcohol by volume, offering a bolder and more elevated experience compared to the original Maker’s Mark.
What is the finishing process for Maker's Mark 46?
After traditional aging, fully matured Maker’s Mark is placed into barrels containing ten seared virgin French oak staves and finished for about nine weeks in a limestone cellar. This unique process amplifies complexity and sweetness without excessive bitterness.
How should I enjoy Maker's Mark 46?
Maker's Mark 46 shines sipped neat or with a splash of water, but its rich and complex character also elevates classic cocktails such as the Manhattan or Rosemary Maple Sour. The higher proof allows it to stand up well in mixed drinks.
Is Maker's Mark 46 a wheated bourbon?
Yes, like the original, Maker's Mark 46 is a wheated bourbon, using wheat instead of rye in its mash bill, resulting in a smoother and mellower flavor profile.
Who created Maker's Mark 46?
Maker’s Mark 46 was developed by Bill Samuels Jr., the son of the distillery’s founders, as the first major new expression since the classic Maker’s Mark was introduced in 1958.
What awards or reviews has Maker's Mark 46 received?
Maker's Mark 46 has earned high praise, including a 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and a 90-point rating from Whisky Advocate, with reviewers praising its complexity, rich spice, and balanced sweetness.
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