Palate: The one thing I’ve underlined multiple times in my notes is how impressively woody this tastes. No, it’s not over-oaked or bitter but yes you’re going to find it all the time. It’s spice-forward too with notes of white pepper, cinnamon and allspice. During one of John’s frequent travels, he managed to secure a bottle of this whiskey. And, to our delight, we’ve learned that Maker’s Mark 46 will soon be available in South Africa, making it easier to replace our beloved bottle when the time comes. Rich and sweet with heaps of plump maraschino cherries, oak, vanilla and caramel. There are hints of honey and buttery cinnamon toast.

Easy drinking with cinnamon and fruity sweetness; it is lovely. However, when you put the Maker’s 46 next to it, you can immediately taste what the extra time in the wood did to the whiskey.Finish: What note would you expect to be the most dominant on the finish? If you said oak, you’re right. The finish is largely a tannin-heavy experience with tobacco leaf also joining the mix.

In 1968, American Tobacco acquired the Jim Beam brand under a new holding company called Fortune Brands. But I don’t miss them as much since there are a few more curious flavors like chocolate and coffee beans. I’m ashamed that I don’t give them their due but then bottles like this remind me how ashamed I should be. They’re a consistently reliable sip every time and I always forget about them. Maker’s Mark has managed to release some equally great bourbons since that initial release, mostly in the form of their Wood Finishing Series which started in 2019 and ended in 2023. When Maker’s Mark RC6 came out it was a great reminder of just how important the company's wood stave finishing process plays in the final flavor profile. However, while interesting to enjoy as a fan of Maker’s Mark, it left a lot to be desired for consumers who were looking for big bold high proof wheated bourbons. The wheated mash bill of Maker’s Mark likely takes up nearly all the production capacity at its namesake distillery. Maturation

Maker’s 46 Review

Maker’s Mark is one of the most iconic bourbon brands out there. They’re known best for their red wax and quality bourbon that “won’t blow your ears off” (quote from founder, Bill Samuels, Sr).

Caramel and toasted wood moving along with vanilla ice cream, under ripe citrus, sweet grains, roasted corn, cinnamon and a host of sweet dessert notes. Much more depth of flavor than the traditional Maker’s Mark.Color me impressed by how good the Cask Strength version of Maker’s 46 ended up being. I won’t say that I’m surprised though because secretly, I’ve always found Maker’s releases to be great. Also Read: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Review and Tasting Notes for the Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Not as dry as Maker’s and with lots of caramel and dessert notes mixed with wood that slowly fades with a long finish. Those barrels were then rolled into their giant limestone cave and left to rest for about 9 weeks. If you’ve been to their distillery, you’ve seen what I’m talking about – It looks like a mini-NORAD bunker on the side of a hill.