Maker's Mark "Makers 46" French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
(750ml) [WE 94]

Notes from the Maker:
We age Maker’s 46® a bit longer inside barrels containing seared French oak staves. The staves create bolder, more complex flavors – while eliminating the bitterness that usually comes with whiskies that are aged longer.

Maker’s 46® is meticulously handmade and inventively finished during winter using seared French oak staves. It offers more complexity; a deeper, richer copper tone; and big, bold flavors of vanilla, caramel, oak and spice. Yet Maker’s 46® retains the easy drinkability of Maker’s Mark®.

So, why 46?
The wood-finishing experiments were the vision of Bill Samuels, Jr. who worked alongside Master Distiller Kevin Smith and the Independent Stave Company, Maker's longtime cooperage. After finally finding the taste they were after, Bill Jr. learned the perfectly toasted French Oak stave they used was on file with the Independent Stave Company as "Stave Profile No. 46".

Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley

Awards/Reviews

93 Points, Gold, Exceptional - Tastings.com

"Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of mocha, caramel cream, candied cherry in butterscotch, and baking spice on red apples with a round, lively, dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish with touches of french roast, black cherry syrup, and honey roasted mixed nuts. A big, sweet nose that dives into a spiced and warming palate; just damn good Whiskey with a hint of espresso bean to balance out the sweetness."

"Maker’s Mark 46 delivers a well-rounded sip that laid the groundwork for French oak finishing done right. It elevates and stands out from the standard Maker’s Mark, delivering a rich sip that while starting stronger than it ends, is still enjoyable nevertheless. Add in that it carries a very reasonable price point, and Maker’s Mark 46 is a bottle that all bourbon drinkers owe themselves to try at least once." - Breaking Bourbon

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2022