Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked

It's been many years since my last encounter with Maker's 46. I recall enjoying it immensely when it was first released over a decade ago. Since then, my journey through the world of whisk(e)y has led me to explore other options, and I hadn't given it much thought, especially with Maker's Mark's ongoing advancements in wood-stave finishing, which originated with MM46 and led to impressive releases like FAE-01 and -02, and BRT-01 and -02, among others. I rediscovered this unopened bottle tucked away and decided to try it. What a delightful surprise! It lived up to my memories. A clear red mahogany color. The aroma offers cinnamon, pound cake, vanilla, banana pudding, dried orange, pepper, and a pleasant hint of sawdust. The palate has a young wood character, with the ethanol appearing smoothly on the finish. The 94 proof is very approachable, with a pleasant oak note on the finish. While not incredibly complex, it is very good and offers remarkable value in today's market at around $40. Rated 4.0. As the image indicates, this is the older bottle style; I have not yet tried the newer version, but I sincerely hope the taste is consistent. Maker's Mark is widely available, so I will purchase a new bottle once this one is depleted. However, given the quantity of bourbon I currently have, that won't be happening anytime soon.;) Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Continuing with the unboxing of new bottles, today we feature a classic North American rivalry: Canada versus the United States. Representing Canada: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 Year Rye Representing the USA: Maker's Mark No. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Number 2: Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked Nose: Classic Maker's sweet grain, corn flakes, but with a touch of French oak sophistication (corn flutes?). Deeper inspection reveals chocolate-covered raisins. Very inviting. Palate: Incredibly smooth, with dark fruits, caramel apple, and subtle notes of cocoa and spice. Finish: Quite long, with additional spiced fruit and chocolate. This beverage is like the ultimate dessert, a perfect combination of all the best ones I've ever experienced. You would never guess it's 94 proof due to its effortless drinkability. It's almost unfairly delicious. My home country isn't looking good at this point in the game. 4.5/5

It has been almost two years since my last review of Maker's 46. I still possess the older bottle design but acquired a new one for comparison. A side-by-side tasting will be necessary in the future. My palate is currently clear of any bourbon-like flavors after sampling three Spanish wines, which is beneficial. The bourbon characteristics that are typically expected, such as caramel, vanilla, and chocolate-covered cherries, are distinct and prominent. Maker's 46 was the initial release in what is now known as its "wood-finishing series," a collection I continue to purchase. However, MM 46 was the first, and it remains an excellent representative of Maker's brand direction. Available at 94 proof and under $40, it offers exceptional value in the bourbon market today.

Copper red color and light legs in the glass. Brown sugar, floral vanilla, and peanuts on the nose. In the mouth, sweet corn syrup and light brown sugar, vanilla oak, dry coco powder. Coating mouthfeel, soft and forgiving. Finish shows some rye spice and more oak tannins. Full, sweet, spicy, but relatively short. Has the classic profile with a little more proof umph and oak. Easy to sip, a pleasure to mix in cocktails like a Manhattan where the extra alcohol content makes this a no brainer. It's familiar and comfortable like old shoes.

This is the first taste from a new bottle. The nose has a lot of cinnamon, a little caramel, and a hint of candied cherry. Overall, very pleasing. The palate follows with cinnamon and baking spices, more cherry, and an almost red wine/nyquil (this is a positive note) flavor, finishing with some dark chocolate. The finish is shorter, with oak becoming noticeable. Very enjoyable throughout. The french oak isn't my top preference, but it works well here and distinguishes it from other good, reasonably priced bourbons. Excellent to keep on hand.

This is a nice step up from the standard version. It offers more vanilla sweetness with toasted maple and cherry. A light cinnamon bread note emerges after a few seconds of savoring the sips. The aftertaste is somewhat thin and doesn't linger. It's worth a few extra dollars for some added proof and a sweet, toasty variation on the standard bottle.