Maker's Mark 46 750mL

Maker's 46 takes fully matured Maker's Mark and finishes it with seared French oak staves inside the barrel. Launched in 2010, it was the distillery's first new bourbon since the original, and it is bottled a touch stronger at 47% ABV.

About This Bourbon

Samuels wanted more depth without extra bitterness. With master distiller Kevin Smith and Brad Boswell of Independent Stave Company, he trialled wood profiles until number 46, a set of French oak staves seared rather than charred, gave the result. Ten of these staves are fixed inside a barrel of mature Maker's Mark, which is then refilled and rested for several more months in the distillery's cool limestone cellar. The base is the same wheated mash of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Toasted French oak, caramel and warm baking spice.
• Palate: Mildly sweet and layered, with vanilla, dark toffee and a little clove.
• Finish: Long and velvety, with gentle spice lingering.

Serving & Food

Pour it neat into a tulip glass at around 18°C, or over a single big ice ball once the glass has warmed in your hand. It suits a Manhattan too. Serve with braised short rib, crème brûlée or aged Comté.

How to Enjoy

Maker's Mark drinkers looking for a richer, spicier glass, and wheated-bourbon fans who like a little more oak.

Product Details

About the Distillery

Maker's Mark is still led by the family that founded it. Bill Samuels Jr., son of the founders and later company president, created 46 as his own mark on the brand. His son Rob Samuels is now managing director, the eighth generation of Samuels whisky makers, and the distillery's master distiller is Dr Blake Layfield.

The whisky is made at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, and every bottle is still dipped by hand in red wax. The company has belonged to Suntory Global Spirits since Suntory bought Beam in 2014.