What is Maker's Mark 46?
Maker's Mark 46 is a type of premium bourbon whiskey that is produced by the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Unlike the classic Maker's Mark bourbon, which is known for its smoothness and rich flavor, Maker's Mark 46 is a much bolder and more complex whiskey that is aged for a longer period of time and finished with a unique wood-stave technique. The wood-stave technique involves taking seared French oak staves and inserting them into the barrels of already-aged Maker's Mark bourbon.
This process continues for a period of several weeks or months, during which the whiskey takes on the rich flavors and aromas of the caramelized wood. The result is a whiskey that is darker in color, has a stronger aroma and a richer flavor profile. Maker's Mark 46 has a higher alcohol content than the original Maker's Mark, and it is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Maker's Mark 46 is widely considered to be one of the most innovative and delicious bourbon whiskeys on the market. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just looking for a new and exciting whiskey to try, Maker's Mark 46 is definitely worth checking out. Its bold flavor profile is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate!
Frequently Asked Questions about maker's mark 46
However, the Maker's 46 is aged longer when compared to the standard Maker's Mark bourbon. The Maker's 46 also have seared French oak staves added to the barrels. There is a slight difference as well in the ABV and the price.
Palate: This is very drinkable and easy to sip. Oaky flavors blend with caramel and vanilla right away. There is a tiny bit of nuttiness to it, but overall it's not very complex. The flavors it provides all do a great job and make for a satisfying pour.
After over a decade in its original packaging, the new bottle better aligns with the visual identity comprising the full Maker's Mark suite and better clarifies what makes the Maker's 46 liquid special – French oak – while making clear to consumers that the liquid they love has not changed by so much as a drop.
We then insert 10 seared virgin French oak staves into the barrel and finish it for nine weeks in our limestone cellar. The result is Maker's Mark 46: bolder and more complex, but without the bitterness typical of longer-aged whiskies.”
The 46 expression is created using French oak staves (the name is derived from use of the so-called 'stave profile 46'), which help draw out smooth and mellow flavours such as vanilla and caramel. On the nose, aromas of toffee hang thick along with popcorn, enticing you to indulge.
Maker's 46 gets it's name from the profile number of the seared French oak staves that are added during the extra aging. The profile number corresponds to the charring rate and temperature development in the staves which can bring out different flavors and characteristics in the wood.
Other well known wheated bourbons include the “Pappy” line of bourbons, the “Weller” line of bourbons, and Larceny. I enjoy Maker's Mark, giving the regular version a “Mid Shelf” rating and this batch of cask strength a “Top Shelf” rating.
Maker's Mark has developed a passionate following among bourbon drinkers. The brand created a backlash last year by saying it was cutting the amount of alcohol in each bottle to stretch its whiskey supplies. Producers quickly scrapped the idea.
Maker's 46 gets it's name from the profile number of the seared French oak staves that are added during the extra aging. The profile number corresponds to the charring rate and temperature development in the staves which can bring out different flavors and characteristics in the wood.
Never bitter or sharp, Maker's Mark® is made with soft red winter wheat, instead of the usual rye, for a one-of-a-kind, full-flavored bourbon. To ensure consistency, we rotate every barrel by hand and age our bourbon to taste, not time.
Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
Once we toured the cooperage, we drove to the Marker's Mark distillery in Loretto, KY, which is about 25 mins away by car.
Maker's also used a unique bottle, dipped in red wax just like a fine cognac, and charged a premium price. At the time, a lot of other bourbon brands charged whatever they thought people in motorcycle gangs would pay for a bottle. "In 1965, Maker's released a bold advertising campaign: 'It tastes expensive...and is.