Maker’s Mark 46, 47%

Introduction

Maker’s Mark 46 represents the first innovation in the iconic distillery’s history since its original bourbon recipe was created in 1953. This premium expression takes the classic Maker’s Mark profile and elevates it through a pioneering wood-finishing technique.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Traditional Maker’s Mark bourbon mash bill consisting of corn, red winter wheat (instead of rye for a smoother taste), and malted barley; water filtered through limestone from the distillery’s lake.
• Distillation process: Double distilled in copper pot stills for a cleaner, more refined spirit.
• Maturation: First aged to maturity in charred American white oak barrels, then finished with 10 seared French oak staves inserted into the barrel for an additional 9 weeks.
• Special techniques: The “46 process” involves placing seared (not charred) French oak staves in the barrel during winter months when the warehouse temperatures result in optimal flavor extraction from the wood.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices with distinct notes of toasted oak and a hint of cinnamon.
• Palate: Complex layers of butterscotch, vanilla, and oak with a creamy mouthfeel; subtle flavors of dried fruit, toasted wood, and warm baking spices enhance the experience.
• Finish: Long, warm finish with lingering notes of spice, vanilla, and toasted oak that gradually fades with a pleasant sweetness.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature or with a single large ice cube.
• Glass recommendation: Glencairn whisky glass or traditional rocks glass.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up the complex flavors; also makes an exceptional base for premium bourbon cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, caramelized desserts, smoked meats, aged cheeses, or spiced nuts complement the bourbon’s flavor profile.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 47% ABV (94 proof)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Kentucky, USA
• Certifications/Awards: Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, consistently rated over 90 points by Whisky Advocate and other leading publications.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Maker’s Mark 46 represents a rare innovation from a distillery known for maintaining its traditional recipe for decades. The bourbon’s distinctive French oak finishing process creates a flavor profile that cannot be replicated by standard aging techniques.

Limited production methods and the specific winter-only finishing process make Maker’s Mark 46 available in more constrained quantities than the standard expression.

Created under the guidance of Master Distiller Bill Samuels Jr. and wood-aging expert Brad Boswell, this bourbon combines generations of distilling expertise with cutting-edge innovation in whiskey maturation.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Bourbon enthusiasts and critics alike have embraced Maker’s Mark 46 as a standard-bearer for wood-finished American whiskeys, earning consistent praise in blind tastings and competitions.

Once experienced, bourbon aficionados typically keep Maker’s Mark 46 as a permanent fixture in their collection, recognizing its value as a premium yet accessible craft bourbon.

Its consistent high rankings in whiskey guides and stellar reviews from publications like Whisky Advocate and Bourbon Review demonstrate its respected position in the premium bourbon category.

From Loretto, Kentucky to You

The Maker’s Mark distillery invites visitors to experience their unique production process firsthand, offering an educational journey through their historic facility where each bottle is still hand-dipped in their signature red wax.

The approachable yet sophisticated character of Maker’s Mark 46 makes it a favorite among both newcomers to bourbon and experienced whiskey connoisseurs looking for exceptional quality.

By choosing Maker’s Mark 46, you join a community of discerning spirits enthusiasts who appreciate the balance of tradition and innovation that defines this remarkable Kentucky bourbon – experience the difference that those French oak staves make in every sip.