Maker’s 46 Cask Strength Review

Hannah’s Maker’s 46 Cask Strength Review

Original review written April 12, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This one is another home run for the Maker’s line, and certainly better than the original Maker’s 46 (which isn’t bad at all). Dark, rich, and warm, who could ask for anything more? 94/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Loretto, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Maker’s Mark Distillery
– Classification: Wheated Bourbon
– Age: nas (believed to be 5-7 yrs.)
– Mash Bill: Corn=70%; Soft red winter wheat=16%; Malted Barley=14%
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: 110
– ABV: 54.8% (109.6 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho 2022

Visit makersmark.com for more information on the wood staves used for this bourbon

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review of this bourbon here!

SETTING:

Believe it or not, I imagine enjoying this bourbon in a warehouse. It may be full of activity and the bustle of things to do, or it may be empty, full of possibility and room to explore. Either way, I think Maker’s 46 Cask Strength will keep your palate warm and your mind open as you look out at the little empire carved out just for you.

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

NOSE:

Cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and dark vanilla cross the nose first – all classic Maker’s tells. I also find ripe apples sprinkled in dark brown sugar, begging to be baked in a pie, or at least cooked to lay over some vanilla ice cream. There’s new oak, roasted chestnuts (again with a brown sugar glaze), and a bit of molasses to give this sweet bourbon a darker, sturdier foundation. The alcohol isn’t particularly aggressive, though deeper inhales do give a slight sting to the nose, all the same. This bourbon overall, smells warm and quite rich with a lot of my favorite bourbon qualities being offered (at least here on the nose).

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: This has a viscous mouth feel with a grip on the palate that makes it incredibly enjoyable.
– Balance: Complex. Though there’s a lot of sweetness here, everything seems grounded in the proof of the bourbon and makes everything very approachable.
– Visual: Auburn in color, this leaves thick legs and plenty of clinging droplets falling from an irregular crown.

– Taste: The proof makes itself more noticeable here on the palate, emerging and blending with apples, pastry, and light vanilla. There’s similar spice to what was on the nose, from cinnamon to nutmeg, as well as allspice now too. I find toasted marshmallow and cranberry fruit leather at the back of the palate, of all combinations. And strangely enough, it works – with light bittersweet knocking back some of the harsher sugary notes the marshmallow brings.

As stated, the proof is more pronounced here; however, it’s not overly strong, acting more as a way to warm the bourbon from a sensation standpoint. It’s taking me a while to be motivated to do a Kentucky chew, simply because I am enjoying this pour as it is. When I do partake in a Kentucky chew, some dark cherries and more brown sugar come forth with the burn of the alcohol.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. This is warm in the throat, but there isn’t a great deal of aftertaste lingering behind.
– Between Sips: Spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon linger between sips, and it’s a pleasant, warm aspect of this finish that is entirely welcome.

– No More: This only grows on me the longer I sip, and it’s a bourbon I truly find difficult to review, because I simply want to sit back and enjoy it while it’s here. The warmth grows, and the fruit of the cranberry leather and apple intensifies in the best way and makes this just so good.

The empty Glencairn is a spicy, oaky sawdust and an absolute good way to finish this glass. And this is one of those rare instances where I actually run out to grab just a bit more for the glass; I’m just not finished with this yet!

WORTH THE PRICE?

$60 is an absolute yes for this bourbon. I’d love to keep it permanently in the bunker and I’ll certainly look forward to finding this around our stores in Idaho. This ticks all the boxes for my kind of bourbon, and I’m happy to have this bottle finally open.

MAKER’S 46 CASK STRENGTH REVIEW RATING: 94/100

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To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Maker’s Mark.

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