Maker's 46 is a premium bourbon whiskey created by the Maker's Mark Distillery, located in Loretto, Kentucky. The whiskey is made from the same mashbill as regular Maker's Mark, but with an added twist: seared French oak staves are placed in the barrel before the whiskey is filled. This unique aging process imparts additional flavor and complexity to the spirit.
The whiskey has a deep golden hue, and offers aromas of caramel, oak and vanilla. On the palate it is smooth and full-bodied, with notes of brown sugar, baking spices, toasted oak and a hint of pepper. The finish is long and spicy, with hints of leather and tobacco rounding out the flavor profile.
Overall Maker's 46 is an excellent addition to any home bar or collection of fine spirits. Its smooth character and complex flavors make it a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. It can also be used as a base for classic cocktails such as Manhattans or Old Fashioneds. It pairs well with rich foods such as steak or lamb chops, as well as desserts like chocolate cake or crème brûlée.
If you're looking for an unforgettable drinking experience, Maker's 46 is definitely worth trying!
Is Makers Mark 46 a Good Whiskey?
Makers Mark 46 Cask Strength bourbon is a good whiskey. It has a pleasant nose with fragrant and attractive apple, orange, and dark fruit notes. On the palate, it has a nice balance of sweetness and spice that is quite enjoyable. The finish is smooth and long lasting with some nice toasty oak flavors. It's not the most complex whiskey out there, but it offers a great value for the price. Overall, Makers Mark 46 Cask Strength is an enjoyable whiskey that offers a pleasant experience for those lookng for an easy-drinking spirit.
Is Makers 46 an Improvement Over Regular Makers?
Makers 46 is a special edition of Maker's Mark, a popular Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. While both have the same basic ingredients and production process, Makers 46 adds an extra step to the aging process. After aging in charred white oak barrels, ten seared French oak staves are added to each barrel of Maker's Mark befre it is bottled. This additional step imparts more complexity to the whiskey and brings out richer flavors of cherry and toasted oak that are absent from regular Maker's Mark. It also has a more oilier mouthfeel and longer finish on the palate. Given these differences, some people may prefer the added complexity of Makers 46 over regular Maker's Mark. Ultimately, though, it comes down to personal preference and which flavor profile you prefer.
The Unique Qualities of Makers Mark 46
Makers Mark 46 is a unique and elevated bourbon experience. It is aged for a longer period of time than regular Maker's Mark, with special seared French oak staves added to the barrel. This results in subtly layered bourbon notes, creating an incredibly complex flavor profile. Additionally, Makers Mark 46 is the legacy of Bill Samuels Jr., son of Maker's Mark founders Bill and Margie. It was created as a tribute to them and teir long-standing dedication to producing world-class bourbon whiskey.
Tasting Notes for Maker's 46
Maker's 46 has a robust flavor profile that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. On the nose, it has sweet caramel and toasted wood aromas, with hints of vanilla ice cream, citrus, grains, roasted corn and cinnamon. The taste is smooth and creamy with an oaky finish that is slightly spicy. Notes of vanilla, caramel and oak are present throughout, wile subtle hints of toasted wood, cinnamon and stone fruits add complexity to the flavor. Overall, Maker's 46 is a full-bodied whiskey with a sweet aroma and a balanced taste that will appeal to any whiskey lover.
The Smoothness of Maker's Mark 46
Yes, Maker's Mark 46 is considered to be smooth and easy to drink. The whiskey is made with the same signature red wax seal and high-quality ingredients as Maker's Mark white label, but it spends extra months maturing in oak barrels with seasoned staves. The result is a smooth and mellow flavor, withut any bitterness or harshness. It has a rich complexity that comes from the natural sweetness of wheat, barley and rye grains and is finished with a hint of vanilla.
Aging Period of Maker's Mark 46
Maker's Mark 46 is aged for 6 to 6.5 years, with an additional 10 weeks of aging using 10 “seared” French Oak barrel staves inserted into the casks. This process adds extra flavor and complexity to the whiskey, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit that is bottled at 47% ABV (alcohol by volume).
The Three Best Bourbons
The three best bourbons are Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon, Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey, and Widow Jane 10-year Bourbon. Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon is widely acclaimed as the best overall bourbon thanks to its complex flavor profile of dried fruit, cinnamon, and oak. Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey is an excellent vale option that offers a sweet aroma of caramel and vanilla with a smooth finish. Finally, Widow Jane 10-year Bourbon is an excellent choice for sipping due to its deep aroma of spices and oak with a hint of sweetness on the finish. No matter what your preference is, these three bourbons are sure to provide an unforgettable taste experience.
The Quality of Maker's Mark 46 Old Fashioned
Yes, Maker's Mark 46 is an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned. It offers a unique flavor profile compared to other bourbons due to the additional aging process with French oak staves. The extra aging time gies Maker's Mark 46 a smooth, rich taste and a subtle sweetness that works perfectly when mixed with bitters and sugar for an Old Fashioned. As an added bonus, Maker's Mark 46 also has a higher alcohol content than regular Maker's Mark (94-proof compared to 90-proof), making it easier to balance out the strong flavors of the bitters and sugar. All in all, Maker's Mark 46 is an excellent choice for crafting a delicious Old Fashioned.
The Cost of Makers 46
Makers 46 bourbon is moderately priced at $39.99 per 750ml bottle and comes with free shipping from CWSpirits.com. This price point compares favorably to other bourbons, making it an affordable choice for whiskey lovers looking to try something new. Of course, the final cost of your purchase will depend on how many bottles you buy and what other items you add to your order. So be sure to check out the great deals at CWSpirits.com for the best value!
Source: bourbonoftheday.com
The Best Bourbon for Sipping
The smoothest bourbon to sip is undoubtedly Barrell Armida. It is a cask strength bourbon aged for 12-15 years, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor profile. It has notes of charred oak, leather, caramel, and vanilla, with subtle hints of nutmeg and spice. The finish is incredibly smooth and velvety. It's one of the most expensive bourbons on the market, but its quality makes it worth it. Other smooth sipping bourbons include Case Study Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Five & 20 Spirits Straight Bourbon, Freeland Spirits Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Old Bourbon, and Still Austin The Musician Straight Bourbon. Each of these bourbons have thir own unique flavor profiles ranging from floral to spicy with notes of dried fruit or even chocolate. All are sure to be an enjoyable experience for any whiskey lover!
Which Bourbon Is Best for Drinking Straight?
The best bourbon to drink straight is a subjective question, as everyone's taste preferences are unique. However, some of the best bourbons to enjoy neat are Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, and Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel. Woodford Reserve is known for its smooth and sweet flavor with notes of oak and tobacco. Four Roses Small Batch Select is a full-bodied whiskey with hints of ripe plum, cherry, and caramel. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve has a rich and complex flavor with notes of dried fruits and vanilla. Finally, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel has a bold yet balanced flavor with notes of leather, honey, and oak. All four of these bourbons are excellent sippers that will be sure to pease even the most discerning whiskey drinkers!
Conclusion
Maker's 46 is a bourbon whiskey that has been crafted to perfection. It offers a unique flavor profile of charred oak, sweet vanilla, and caramel with hints of spice. The whiskey is aged in new barrels that are heavily toasted and seared on the inside with French oak staves. This process gives the whiskey its distinct flavor and aroma. Maker's 46 has won numerous awards for its quality and consistency, including “Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Magazine in 2019. This is an excellent whiskey for those who are looking for somehing unique, yet familiar—something that offers a great balance between flavor and strength. If you're looking for something special, Maker's 46 is definitely worth a try.
