Whiskey Review/Tasting: Maker's Mark 46

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kentucky, USA.
Type: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, barrel finished with oak staves.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whiskey undergoes a unique finishing process with French Limousin oak staves inserted into the barrels, deviating from the traditional American white oak maturation. This process disqualifies it from being labeled as "Kentucky Straight Bourbon."
Age Statement: The exact age is not specified, but Maker's Mark typically matures its whiskey for about three to four years. The duration of the finishing period with French oak staves is unknown.
Color and Clarity: The whiskey has a dark color, attributed to the additional maturation with French oak staves. Bourbon is not allowed to be colored with spirit caramel, indicating the color is natural.
Bottle Design: The bottle features the iconic red wax seal, reminiscent of sealing wax used in historical letter sending, and a heavy bottom. The closure is a plastic cork.

Balance of Flavors: The aroma and taste are described as full, pleasant, and harmonious, with no single flavor dominating but rather a well-integrated blend of aromas.
Unique Characteristics: The use of French Limousin oak staves contributes to a slightly sweet profile with toasted oakiness, caramel, and vanilla. The whiskey is noted for its lack of bitterness, which is often found in whiskies matured for longer periods in European oak.
Comparison: The Maker's Mark 46 is stronger in taste than the regular Maker's Mark Red Seal but maintains a pleasant profile without the aromatic notes typical of many Kentucky straight bourbons.

The unique aspect of Maker's Mark 46 comes from its experimental nature, being test number 46 in a series of cask maturation experiments. This innovative approach to finishing in French oak staves sets it apart from traditional bourbon production methods.

Maker's Mark 46 embodies the spirit of innovation within the Kentucky bourbon tradition, challenging and expanding the boundaries of bourbon production while maintaining a connection to its geographical roots.

Horst Luening describes the whiskey as having a "wonderful aromatic note" and emphasizes that it "must not be a straight bourbon to be a perfect dram for your evening," highlighting the quality and appeal of Maker's Mark 46 despite its deviation from traditional bourbon classifications.

Maker's Mark 46 is a Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey finished with French Limousin oak staves, resulting in a unique and darker color.
The whiskey offers a harmonious blend of slightly sweet, toasted oakiness, caramel, and vanilla flavors without the bitterness often associated with longer European oak maturation.
The use of French oak staves in the finishing process is an innovative departure from traditional bourbon production, making Maker's Mark 46 a testament to the brand's experimental approach.
Despite not being classified as a "Kentucky Straight Bourbon," Maker's Mark 46 is praised for its quality and enjoyable flavor profile.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique and innovative approaches to bourbon production will appreciate the experimental nature of Maker's Mark 46.
Whiskey Collectors: The distinctive bottle design and the story behind the whiskey's development make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.
Beginners: The harmonious and pleasant flavor profile, without the bitterness or strong aromatic notes typical of some bourbons, makes Maker's Mark 46 accessible to those new to whiskey tasting.