Credit: Maker's Mark
Maker’s 46 Cask Strength was previously available only at the distillery, but received a nationwide limited release in fall 2020 in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary.
To create Maker’s Mark 46, fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon is removed from the original barrels and 10 seared French oak staves are inserted into the barrel. The staves are specially prepared by the distillery to provide additional flavors and enhance the whiskey’s complexity. The barrel is then returned to the aging warehouse for an additional period of maturation, allowing the bourbon to interact with the newly introduced oak staves.
This secondary aging process imparts rich and distinct flavors to the bourbon. The seared French oak staves contribute notes of caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and a hint of smoke, adding depth and complexity to the whiskey. While the regular Maker’s 46 is bottled at 94 proof, this expression is bottled at cask strength and released annually.
In June 2023, Maker’s Mark updated the packaging to match the look of the refreshed Maker’s 461Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength Gets New Look.
The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is an extension of Maker’s 46, using different stave profiles to achieve diverse taste profiles.
