American

Maker's Mark No 46 French Oak Bourbon Whisky

$17

OVERALL
RATING

Whisky Review: Maker’s Mark No. 46 French Oak Bourbon Whisky

Maker's Mark No. 46 French Oak Bourbon Whisky is one of the brand's most beloved expressions, and it is a fan favorite for a reason.

by Phil Dwyer
October 28, 2024

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

A French oak finished bourbon that has a rather unique process behind it. Maker’s take their liquid at cask strength and finish it in a limestone whisky cellar with barrels that have ten French oak staves within the cask. This has formed the foundation of their Private Select programme, too, but with a greater selection of stave options.

Appearance:

Oloroso Sherry

Nose:

Caramel, cinnamon, coffee, milk chocolate, wafer biscuits, all backed up by some very floral spiciness that reminds me of Autumnal cooking. There’s pastry, more cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, double cream, vanilla custard. A warming little dream.

Palate:

More of those lovely autumn notes. Vanilla, crème brûlée, gentle espresso, dark chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, custard tart. there is a little tart note that comes across as blueberry – a little flicker of summer there.

Finish:

The oak is really taking the headline slot here. It’s warming and toasty with those burnt vanilla and creamy notes we all love in virgin oak maturation. A little burst of heat at the end, too. Just to remind you what it is you’re drinking.

Comments:

I really like this bourbon. I’ve a close connection to Maker’s Mark and I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve tried from them. This is a modern classic at this point, a wonderful twist on what was already a classic bourbon. Between the history of the distillery, this unique finishing style, and the beliefs of the distillery. This is such a solid purchase for any bourbon fan.

Who Will Enjoy Maker’s Mark No. 46?

At this point, if you haven’t tried Maker’s Mark No. 46 then you really need to get to your local bar or shop to change that.

This is a very utilitarian bourbon that applies itself to the palate of most whisky drinkers. Not you smoke lovers, though, they haven’t quite got there yet. As a product, it’s something that has become so in twined with bourbon history and Scottish whisky history, too.

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What Makes It Standout?

The finishing process of this bourbon is something to really be marveled at. There are a fair few stories about how the whisky got its name, but the wood selection and how it has influenced an already solid core product has allowed Maker’s Mark No. 46 to really stand out from the crowd in a few different ways. Also being bottled at 47% ABV makes this really pack punch for the price you pay.

Best Ways To Enjoy Maker’s Mark No. 46?

If you’re a neat fan then this is perfect for you. The flavors are so warming and comfortable that you won’t struggle with the slightly higher ABV of this Maker’s release. But, and there is always a but, you can of course enjoy this however you want. If you’re a bourbon and ice drinker – go for it. If you’re a cocktail fan then this can work in numerous ways.

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Maker’s House cocktail is a Gold Rush, this is how you’d make it!:

Take 2oz of Maker’s 46, three-quarters of an oz of lemon juice, and three-quarters of an oz of honey syrup. Throw all of this into a shaker with some ice and shake until the vessel is well chilled. Strain into a glass of your choice over some ice and garnish with a lemon twist. There you go! You can buy honey syrup, but it’s best to make your own by just adding 2 parts honey to 2 parts water in a saucepan over medium heat, Stir until the honey is dissolved, allow it to cool, and transfer it to an airtight container. it should last up to a month.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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