Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon 700mL

Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon represents a bold evolution of the classic Maker’s Mark wheated bourbon recipe, finished with seared French oak staves that add extraordinary depth and complexity. This innovative expression maintains the signature smooth character of Maker’s Mark while introducing layers of caramel, baking spice, and toasted wood that elevate it beyond the standard red wax bottling.

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Crafted at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, this bourbon follows the traditional wheated mash bill that made the brand famous before undergoing a unique finishing process. Ten seared French oak staves are inserted into fully matured barrels for an additional nine weeks, allowing the bourbon to extract rich flavours from the caramelised wood without the bitterness of heavy char. This innovative maturation technique, developed through years of experimentation, delivers remarkable flavour intensity at 47% ABV.

Nose: The aroma opens with buttery caramel and vanilla bean, followed by toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and subtle hints of dried fruit. There’s a gentle warmth that invites you deeper into the glass, with sweet wheat notes providing a soft foundation.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied, the flavour profile delivers waves of caramelised sugar, brown butter, and dark chocolate complemented by warm baking spices like nutmeg and clove. The wheated mash bill ensures a velvety texture, while the French oak finishing adds sophisticated depth with notes of toasted almonds and charred wood.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering sweetness balanced by oak tannins and a gentle spice that develops gradually. The finish showcases the bourbon’s complexity, leaving impressions of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle smokiness that persists beautifully.

Enjoy Maker’s Mark 46 neat or with a splash of water to open up the intricate flavours developed during the French oak finishing process. For cocktail enthusiasts, this bourbon adds remarkable depth to an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, though many prefer to savour it straight to appreciate its nuanced character.

This expression suits bourbon enthusiasts seeking something more complex than standard offerings without venturing into high-proof or heavily aged territory, and makes an impressive gift for anyone who appreciates American whiskey craftsmanship. The distinctive finishing process and approachable yet sophisticated flavour profile position Maker’s Mark 46 as an excellent choice for those ready to explore beyond entry-level bourbons.