Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked

I haven't had Maker's 46 in years. I recall trying it over a decade ago when it first came out, and I loved it. Since then, I've been weaving and wending my way through the vast world of whisk(e)y, and had not thought much about it--especially given Maker's Mark's continued development of the wood-stave finishing process that was started with MM46, leading to the amazing FAE-01 and -02, and BRT-01 and -02, among others. I had this unopened bottle hidden behind several others and decided to open it. What a pleasant surprise! It was everything I remembered. Clear red mahogany color. Cinnamon, pound cake, vanilla, banana pudding, dried orange, pepper, and a pleasant sawdust on the nose. Young wood on the palate, where the ethanol makes an appearance on the back end, smoothly. The 94 proof goes down easy, with some pleasant oak on the finish. Not terribly complex, but very good--and a fantastic value in today's market at ~$40. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. As the photo shows, mine is the old-style bottle; I've not yet had the newer one yet, but very much hope it's the same. MM is widely available, so as soon as this one gets low, I'll grab a new one. But with as much bourbon I've got in the barn, that's not going to happen soon. ;) N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Continuing with the cracking of unopened bottles, today we'll do a classic North American faceoff: Canada vs the US. Representing Canada: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 year rye Representing USA: Maker's Mark no. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Number 2: Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked Nose: Classic Maker's sweet cereal, corn flakes but with some oaky French sophistication (flacons de mais?). Chocolate covered raisins when you dig a bit deeper. Very inviting Palate: Velvety smooth, dark fruits, caramel apple and hints of cocoa and spice. Finish: Fairly lengthy, with more spiced fruit and chocolate. This is like every great dessert I've ever had combined into one incredible package. You'd never know that this is 94 proof with how easy it goes down. So good it's not fair. Not looking good for my home and native land right now at halftime. 4.5/5

It’s been nearly two years since I’ve reviewed Maker’s 46. I still have that old-style bottle, but bought a new one just to try. I’ll have to do the two side-by-side at some point. I just finished reviewing three Spanish wines, so my palate is clean from anything remotely bourbon. This is a good thing, as the bourbon notes that are ostensibly so common—caramel, vanilla, chocolate-covered cherries—shine brightly in their difference. Maker’s 46 was MM’s first foray into what is now its “wood-finishing series,” which I continue to buy. But MM 46 was the first, and even today, is a worthy flag bearer for the directions Maker’s is going. Bottled at 94 proof, this can be found for less than $40, and as such represents one of the best values in bourbon today.

47% ABV, Tasted neat. 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 Makers Mark 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. But then I came of age on Makers Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. So it's familiar and comfortable (as I wrote before) like old shoes.

First glass of a new bottle. On the nose, a lot of cinnamon, a little caramel, and a little candied cherry. Overall, very nice. The pallet continues with the cinnamon and baking spices, with more cherry, and almost a little red wine/nyquil (this is a compliment) flavor, with some dark chocolate at the end. Finishes shorter, with oak coming through. Very good throughout. The french oak will never be my absolute favorite, but its nice here and sets it apart from other good, reasonably priced bourbons. Great to have in rotation.

It is a nice expansion of the standard MM. Adds more vanilla sweetness with toasty maple cherry. Light cinnamon bread is hiding there after a few seconds savoring the sips. Sort of a thin and not a lingering aftertaste. Worth a few more dollars for some extra proof points and a sweet toasty twist on the standard bottle.