Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength

We review Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength, a limited edition variant of the regular Maker's Mark 46 that's been released at 109.6 proof.

OVERALL RATING

5
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Maker's Mark Cask Strength

Tasting Notes

About:

finished with 10 seared virgin French oak staves inserted into its barrel for upwards of nine weeks; 109.6 proof; priced around $60.
Appearance:
The color is dark amber and when swirled, latches onto the side of the glass in a single viscous sheet.
Nose:
Sweet, soft Caramel shines forth on the first waft, followed by a strong presence of vanilla. A hint of baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg chase the back end of the nose and it finishes with a note of oak.
Palate:
If you are expecting the caramel and baking notes up front, be ready for disappointment. The most prominent flavor I picked up was plastic, like an immature grain alcohol. The caramel makes an appearance after the whiskey settles onto the tongue a couple of sips in. Banana bread and cinnamon hit the middle of the tongue along with a sharp lingering heat. A medicinal aftertaste haunts the back of the palette as the whiskey is swallowed down.
Finish:
Comments:
Mass market whiskey has its place. It is crafted to appeal to the widest of tastes and to provide a palatable experience for a lower price point. When marketing an experience, it’s always better to focus on quality, not quantity. I feel that detail was missed when crafting this batch. It could make a reasonable mixer with its bold cinnamon notes and heat, but I would not recommend it as a daily or even special occasion sipper.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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