If you’re a bourbon whiskey enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly come across the iconic Maker’s Mark bottles, sealed with their striking blood-red wax tops. The golden liquid inside is as exceptional as the recognizable red wax seal.
My husband, John, and I are no strangers to the pleasures of Maker’s Mark. It graces our shelves quite often, but recently, our eyes have been on the highly anticipated Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey.
During one of John’s frequent travels, he managed to secure a bottle of this whiskey. And, to our delight, we’ve learned that Maker’s Mark 46 will soon be available in South Africa, making it easier to replace our beloved bottle when the time comes.
Now, the burning question is, what sets the “standard” Maker’s Mark bourbon apart from the Maker’s 46 bourbon? According to the website, Maker’s 46 is the first new addition to their lineup since the 1950s, designed to introduce a spicier dimension to their classic release.
The process behind Maker’s 46 whiskey starts with their standard Maker’s Mark bourbon. They insert heavily seared French oak staves into freshly emptied Maker’s Mark barrels, which are then refilled and returned to the ageing warehouses.
The “46” designation represents the culmination of countless experiments, with experiment No. 46 ultimately achieving the desired flavour profile.
Maker’s Mark is unique because it doesn’t include rye in its mash bill. Instead, it relies on red winter wheat (16%), corn (70%), and malted barley (14%).
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 boasts a rich and sweet bouquet with notes of plump maraschino cherries, oak, vanilla, caramel, hints of honey, and buttery cinnamon toast.
PALATE: Rich and creamy. There are notes of oak, vanilla cinnamon, all perfectly balanced. The Maker’s Mark 46 has a big mouthfeel. It is smooth like creamed honey. After the second sip butter toffee, toast and hints of pepper show up. While water can mellow the heat, sipped neat’s just as delightful.
FINISH: The finish is long and lingering, concluding with notes of caramel, pepper, and vanilla.
RATING: EXCELLENT
Maker’s Mark 46 is a bolder and spicier alternative to the traditional Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, featuring an oilier mouthfeel and a delightful complexity. It’s an easy-drinking and delicious bourbon.
Our bottle is rapidly depleting and is unlikely to last through September, making it a fitting tribute to Bourbon Heritage Month. We eagerly await October to restock this bottle.
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 earned my preference.
With its distinct character and unique production process, this bourbon is a must-try for any bourbon connoisseur.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon
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