Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon 750ML

Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon 750ML is a 750ml, 94-proof (47% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon finished with seared French oak staves for added depth and complexity. Scoring 94 points from Anthony Dias Blue and named among the "Best Spirits of 2010" by Tasting Panel Magazine, this expression marked the first major new release from the Maker's Mark distillery since the 1950s.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Loretto, Kentucky, USA  |  French Oak Stave-Finished Bourbon  |  Distillery: Maker's Mark (Suntory Global Spirits)

Production & Heritage

Maker's Mark has operated in Loretto, Kentucky since 1953 and remains one of the few bourbon distilleries to hand-dip every bottle in its signature red wax. The 46 expression begins as fully matured Maker's Mark, made from a wheated mashbill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. Ten seared virgin French oak staves are then inserted into each barrel, and the bourbon finishes for an additional nine weeks inside the distillery's limestone cellar. The name "46" refers to Stave Profile No. 46 — the specific wood profile selected after the distillery experimented with 125 different stave combinations during development.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Burnt sugar and hazelnut lead, giving way to pecan pie, vanilla, and crème brûlée. A backdrop of varnished oak and cherry rounds out the nose with understated richness.

Taste: The entry is toasty and warm, with a creamy mid-palate that delivers deep vanilla and caramel far more intense than the original Maker's Mark. As it builds, firm baking spices — cinnamon foremost, followed by nutmeg and clove — arrive from the French oak staves. Dried cherry and cream soda sweetness weave through the mid-palate, balancing the wood-driven complexity.

Finish: Medium-long and layered, with lingering caramel, toasted oak, and a gentle spice warmth. The wheated mashbill keeps the finish smooth and free of harsh grain bite.

How to Drink Maker's 46

At 94 proof, Maker's 46 rewards neat sipping or with a single large ice cube that opens the vanilla and caramel notes as it dilutes. A few drops of water will coax out the crème brûlée sweetness without flattening the oak spice. For cocktails, try an Old Fashioned — the baking-spice complexity stands up beautifully to bitters and sugar; a Manhattan — the creamy vanilla pairs naturally with sweet vermouth; or a Boulevardier — its rich, toasty weight provides enough backbone to match Campari's bitterness.

Best For

• Upgrading a bourbon collection beyond entry-level bottles
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who already knows standard Maker's Mark
• Building a premium home Old Fashioned with more depth and spice
• Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated and rye-recipe bourbons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maker's 46 taste like? Maker's 46 delivers rich caramel, deep vanilla, and crème brûlée sweetness layered with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spice from its French oak stave finish. The wheated mashbill keeps the texture notably creamy and smooth.

How does Maker's 46 compare to Buffalo Trace? Both sit in a similar price tier, but Maker's 46 uses a wheated mashbill while Buffalo Trace uses a traditional rye-recipe bourbon mashbill, giving Buffalo Trace more peppery bite on the palate. Maker's 46 is generally richer and creamier, with more pronounced vanilla and baking-spice character from its French oak finishing process.

Is Maker's 46 good for sipping neat? At 47% ABV, Maker's 46 sits at a sweet spot for neat drinking — robust enough to carry complex flavors yet smooth enough from its wheated recipe to avoid harshness. It is widely regarded as an excellent neat-sipping bourbon.

Where is Maker's 46 made? Maker's 46 is produced at the Maker's Mark distillery in Loretto, Marion County, Kentucky, a National Historic Landmark site owned by Suntory Global Spirits. The nine-week stave finishing takes place in the distillery's temperature-stable limestone cellar.

What foods pair well with Maker's 46? Pecan pie and caramel desserts echo its core sweetness. Smoked pork shoulder or barbecue ribs complement the toasty oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles match the creamy vanilla depth. A sharp aged cheddar creates a satisfying contrast with the bourbon's sweetness. Maple-glazed bacon plays off the caramel and baking-spice character.

What sizes does Maker's 46 come in? Maker's 46 is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle and is also commonly found in 375ml half-bottles and 1.75L handles in select markets.

Is Maker's 46 worth the price? Maker's 46 positions as a step-up premium bourbon — priced above everyday pours but below single-barrel and limited-edition releases. The unique French oak stave finishing process delivers a noticeable quality jump from standard Maker's Mark, making it a strong value within the mid-premium bourbon tier.

Why Maker's 46?

The seared French oak stave finishing method is genuinely unusual in bourbon production — rather than simply transferring liquid to a second barrel, Maker's inserts custom-profiled staves directly into the original barrel, maximizing surface contact while preserving the base spirit's character. Stave Profile No. 46 was selected from 125 combinations, and the result is a bourbon that amplifies the brand's signature soft, wheated profile with firm oak structure and layered spice that the original expression lacks. With a 94-point rating from Anthony Dias Blue and a 93-point score from Tastings.com, critical reception consistently validates the expression as one of the stronger values in finished bourbon. For drinkers who appreciate Maker's Mark but want more complexity and proof, the 46 is the logical and rewarding next step.