The story of Maker’s 46 began as a bold experiment, a desire to take the beloved Maker’s Mark recipe and give it a deeper, richer voice. Created in the heart of Kentucky, this expression was the brainchild of Bill Samuels Jr., who wanted to make a whisky his father never would: bolder, spicier, but still with that signature smoothness. The result? A whisky that feels like a well-worn leather chair beside a glowing hearth, familiar, but luxuriously elevated.

Maker’s 46
Brand: Maker’s Mark | Category: Kentucky Bourbon | ABV: 47% | Origin: Loretto, Kentucky, USA | Vol: 75cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Like stepping into a warm patisserie, sweet vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak waft through, layered with hints of cinnamon and baking spices.
Palate: Silky and full-bodied, it wraps around your tongue with creamy vanilla, dried fruit, and a whisper of seared wood. There's a gentle spice that grows with each sip, never harsh, always welcoming.
Finish: Lingers like a slow sunset, warm, dry, and gently spiced, with echoes of caramel and charred oak fading into a soft hush.

Production Details:
What sets Maker’s 46 apart is a clever twist in its aging process: seared French oak staves are inserted into barrels of fully matured Maker’s Mark, then the whisky is aged a little longer in a chilly limestone cellar. This extra step unlocks bold flavors while maintaining the brand’s signature smoothness, a perfect balance between innovation and tradition.

Perfect For:
Picture a quiet night with jazz playing low, or a crisp evening shared with close friends around a fire pit. This is a bourbon made for moments when time slows down, and the world fades to just good conversation and great whisky.

Expert Notes:
Praised by critics for its complexity and depth, Maker’s 46 has become a standout in the premium bourbon scene. Whisky Advocate described it as "a confident evolution of the classic," and it continues to win over fans who want more character without sacrificing approachability.

Customer Reviews:
🗣️ "Tasted it once, bought a bottle the next day. It’s like regular Maker’s grew up and got a tuxedo."
🗣️ "Smooth enough for my wife, bold enough for me, this one doesn’t gather dust on our shelf."
🗣️ "That spicy finish? Magic. I find myself pouring a dram just to chase that last note."

Interesting Fact:
The “46” in Maker’s 46 isn’t an age or recipe number, it comes from the profile number of the French oak staves used in the aging process. What began as an experimental code became the name of an icon.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy it neat to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors, or add a single ice cube to soften the spice and highlight the vanilla. For a twist, try it in a rich Old Fashioned, the extra oakiness makes it sing.

Distillery Background:
Nestled in the scenic hills of Loretto, Kentucky, the Maker’s Mark Distillery feels like stepping into a time capsule, red shutters, stone buildings, and a commitment to hand crafted whisky that hasn’t wavered since 1953. Family founded and fiercely dedicated to quality, Maker’s Mark continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. Maker’s 46 is proof of that legacy in action.