Maker’s Mark NO. 46 French Oaked Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Bourbon Whiskey is a distinctive and highly regarded expression from Maker’s Mark, known for its unique finishing process that enhances the original bourbon’s flavor profile. It was the first major extension to the Maker’s Mark line since the original bourbon’s release in 1958.

Key Characteristics:

• French Oak Stave Finish: The defining feature of Maker’s Mark 46 is its secondary maturation. Fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon is placed back into barrels that have 10 specially seared virgin French oak staves (Stave Profile No. 46) inserted. This finishing process, lasting approximately nine weeks in a limestone cellar, extracts additional complex flavors from the wood without introducing excessive bitterness.
• Wheated Bourbon Base: It starts with the classic Maker’s Mark mash bill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. The use of wheat, rather than rye, contributes to its signature smooth, sweet, and approachable character.
• Proof: Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), a slightly higher proof than the standard Maker’s Mark (90 proof). This higher proof helps to amplify the nuanced flavors imparted by the French oak.
• No Age Statement: Like the original, it is aged to taste, not for a fixed duration, before undergoing the stave-finishing process.
• Innovative Process: Maker’s Mark 46 pioneered the wood-stave finishing technique for bourbon, which has since inspired other releases and programs within the industry.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Often described as having an inviting aroma of toasted French oak, vanilla, and caramel, with hints of baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). The familiar sweet, fruity notes of Maker’s Mark are present but with added depth.
• Palate: Exhibits a pleasant sweetness with a creamy mouthfeel. Flavors of rich vanilla, caramel, and prominent baking spices are balanced by notes of toasted oak. Some tasters also detect hints of red berries, dark chocolate, or subtle fruit from the French oak influence. It’s bolder and more complex than the original Maker’s Mark while maintaining its characteristic smoothness.
• Finish: Smooth, long, and satisfying, with lingering notes of spice and sweet oak. The finish is clean and well-integrated, often described as velvety.

Awards & Recognition:

Maker’s Mark 46 has garnered significant acclaim:

• Multiple Gold and Double Gold medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the London Spirits Competition.
• Received high ratings from publications such as Wine Enthusiast (90 points) and Beverage Testing Institute (93 points).
• Consistently praised by critics and consumers for its innovative approach and enhanced flavor profile.

Overall Impression:

Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Bourbon Whiskey is a highly successful and popular extension of the Maker’s Mark brand. The unique French oak stave finishing process truly elevates the original wheated bourbon, adding layers of rich vanilla, caramel, and baking spices, along with a delightful creaminess. It offers a more robust and complex experience than the standard Maker’s Mark, yet retains the brand’s hallmark smoothness and approachability. It is an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks and also enhances classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.