Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey Review

When bourbon fans think of Maker’s Mark, the image that instantly comes to mind is that famous bottle dipped in dripping red wax. It is one of the most recognisable bourbons in the world, and for good reason. Smooth, approachable, and packed with sweet vanilla character, Maker’s Mark has earned a permanent place on countless whisky shelves.

But for those wanting a little more depth and spice, there is Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey. This small but significant twist on the original recipe takes everything people love about standard Maker’s Mark and pushes it further. Richer oak, deeper caramel notes, and a bigger mouthfeel make this a bourbon that feels more mature and more complex without losing its easy-drinking appeal.

What Makes Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Different?

The story behind Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon starts with the classic Maker’s Mark recipe. Unlike many Kentucky bourbons, Maker’s Mark does not use rye in the mash bill.

Instead, the distillery swaps rye for soft red winter wheat, creating a smoother and sweeter flavour profile. The mash bill consists of 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat and 14% malted barley.

To create Maker’s Mark 46, the distillery takes fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon and inserts heavily seared French oak staves into the barrels before ageing them further. The barrels are then returned to the warehouse, allowing the bourbon to extract additional flavour from the wood.

The “46” name comes from the experiment number that finally delivered the flavour profile the distillers were searching for after countless trials.

The result is a bourbon that remains unmistakably Maker’s Mark, but with more spice, more oak influence, and noticeably greater complexity.

Maker’s Mark is part of the Beam Suntory conglomerate, which also owns iconic brands like Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Yamazaki, Laphroaig, and Bowmore.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey Review

The Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey is aged longer than the standard Maker’s Mark, so the wood has a longer time to impact on the bourbon.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Dark polished copper with red notes.

NOSE: The nose on Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon is rich, sweet, and inviting. Notes of plump maraschino cherries, vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and honey immediately jump from the glass. Beneath that sweetness sits a warm layer of buttery cinnamon toast and gentle baking spice. It smells bold without becoming overpowering.

PALATE: This is where Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon really shines.
The mouthfeel is thick, rich, and creamy, coating the palate with flavours of vanilla, oak, cinnamon, and caramel. The wheat-heavy mash bill keeps the bourbon smooth, while the French oak staves introduce an extra layer of spice and structure.

After a few sips, additional notes of butter toffee, toasted bread, and cracked black pepper begin to emerge. Despite the slightly higher ABV, there is no alcohol heat.

Sipped neat, it delivers a warm, satisfying experience, though a few drops of water can soften the spice slightly and bring out more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering, concluding with notes of caramel, pepper, and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and complexity. It is bold enough for experienced bourbon drinkers, yet smooth enough for newcomers exploring premium bourbon for the first time.

What makes it even more appealing is the price. This is a premium-tasting bourbon that remains relatively affordable compared to many heavily hyped bottles on today’s market. Good whisky does not always need a luxury price tag, and Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon proves exactly that. You can pick it up conveniently on Amazon.

Our bottle disappeared alarmingly quickly, which says everything you need to know. It has become a firm favourite in our house and is one of those bourbons that constantly tempts you back for “just one more dram”.

Final Thoughts on Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon

If you enjoy wheated bourbons with rich vanilla sweetness, creamy texture, and balanced oak spice, this bottle deserves a place on your shelf.

For those looking to experiment, the Maker’s Mark website offers an array of amazing recipes, such as the Mint Julep Lamb Chops.

In another blog post, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between Maker’s 46 and standard Maker’s Mark, revealing which one I preferred.

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Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon