Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength takes the distillery's most successful innovation and strips away the water. Maker's 46 began with Bill Samuels Jr., who wanted to build a new Maker's Mark with more vanilla and caramel depth and a longer finish, but without the bitterness that extra oak usually brings. After considerable trial and error, the answer was finishing: fully matured Maker's Mark is moved into a second barrel fitted with ten seared French oak staves, and the stave profile that finally worked was number 46, which is where the name comes from. This limited edition bottling delivers that same recipe at full cask strength rather than the standard 94 proof, so nothing is diluted and the wood influence lands with real force. Made at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky from a wheated mash of corn, soft red winter wheat and malted barley, it carries the softness that defines Maker's Mark underneath considerably more power. This bottling comes in at 110.3 proof (55.15% ABV), a batch specific strength printed by hand on the front label. It pours a deep russet amber. The nose is rich with caramel, vanilla and toasted oak alongside baked stone fruit, brown sugar and warm baking spice. The palate is thick and mouthcoating, layering dark caramel, vanilla custard, dried fruit and cinnamon over a firm seared oak backbone that never turns bitter. The finish is long and warming, closing on toffee, spice and lingering wood. A few drops of water or a large cube open it up beautifully, though it drinks remarkably well neat for the strength. Finished by hand with the brand's signature red wax dip.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
55.15% |
| Proof |
110.3 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, Wheated, Cask Strength |
| Stave Profile |
No. 46, seared French oak |
| Distillery |
Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky |
| Mashbill |
Corn, soft red winter wheat and malted barley |
| Finish |
Secondary barrel with 10 seared French oak staves |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep russet amber.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla and toasted oak with baked stone fruit, brown sugar and warm baking spice.
Palate: Thick and mouthcoating, with dark caramel, vanilla custard, dried fruit and cinnamon over seared oak.
Finish: Long and warming, with toffee, spice and lingering wood.
FAQ
What proof is Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength?
The proof varies by batch because it is bottled at full cask strength. This bottling is 55.15% ABV, which is 110.3 proof.
Where does the name 46 come from?
It refers to stave profile number 46, the seared French oak stave recipe that worked after extensive experimentation.
How is it different from standard Maker's 46?
Same finishing process and stave profile, but bottled at full cask strength rather than 94 proof, giving it noticeably more depth, weight and intensity.
How is it different from the Wood Finishing Series?
The Wood Finishing Series releases use different custom stave profiles each year. Maker's 46 Cask Strength uses the original No. 46 profile.
Is this a flavored whiskey?
No. The staves add flavor through wood extraction during a secondary barrel finish, with nothing added to the whisky.
Where can I buy Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
