Maker’s Mark 46 is a premium bourbon whiskey that was first introduced in 2010 as a follow-up to the original Maker’s Mark. The idea for Maker’s Mark 46 came about when Bill Samuels Jr., the son of the founder of Maker’s Mark, decided to create a new expression of the iconic bourbon. The name “46” comes from the 46th experimental recipe that was tried before finding the perfect combination of flavors. This new expression was created by aging fully matured Maker’s Mark in barrels containing seared French oak staves, which imparted a unique flavor profile to the whiskey.
The process of creating Maker’s Mark 46 was a labor of love, with Bill Samuels Jr. and his team spending years experimenting with different techniques and flavors to create the perfect bourbon. The result is a rich and complex whiskey that has quickly become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. Maker’s Mark 46 is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the Maker’s Mark distillery, and it continues to uphold the tradition of excellence that has been synonymous with the brand since its inception.
Key Takeaways
- Maker’s Mark 46 was created as a result of a unique aging process using French oak staves
- The crafting process of Maker’s Mark 46 involves adding seared French oak staves to fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon
- Maker’s Mark 46 offers a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice
- Maker’s Mark 46 pairs well with dishes like grilled steak, dark chocolate, and caramel desserts
- Maker’s Mark 46 can be used to create delicious cocktails such as the Maker’s 46 Old Fashioned and the Maker’s 46 Manhattan
The Crafting Process of Maker’s Mark 46
The crafting process of Maker’s Mark 46 begins with the selection of the finest ingredients, including locally sourced corn, barley, and red winter wheat. These grains are carefully milled and combined with pure limestone spring water to create the mash. The mash is then fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that has been carefully cultivated to bring out the unique flavors of the grains.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills to create a high-quality distillate. This distillate is then aged in charred American white oak barrels, where it develops its rich and complex flavor profile. What sets Maker’s Mark 46 apart from the original Maker’s Mark is the additional aging process. After fully maturing in traditional barrels, Maker’s Mark 46 is transferred to barrels containing seared French oak staves. These staves impart a unique combination of caramel, vanilla, and spice notes to the whiskey, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that sets Maker’s Mark 46 apart from other bourbons.
The final step in the crafting process is bottling the whiskey by hand, using the signature red wax seal that has become synonymous with Maker’s Mark. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every bottle of Maker’s Mark 46, making it a true testament to the art of bourbon making.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile of Maker’s Mark 46
Maker’s Mark 46 boasts a rich and complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. On the nose, it offers aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with hints of spice and dried fruit. The palate is equally impressive, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch complemented by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted oak. The finish is long and lingering, with a warm and satisfying mouthfeel that leaves a lasting impression.
The addition of seared French oak staves during the aging process gives Maker’s Mark 46 a unique flavor profile that is both bold and balanced. The French oak imparts rich caramel and vanilla notes, while also adding a subtle spiciness that enhances the overall complexity of the whiskey. The result is a bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, allowing you to fully appreciate its depth of flavor and smooth finish.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail, Maker’s Mark 46 offers a truly exceptional tasting experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs.
Pairing Maker’s Mark 46 with Food
| Food | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|
| Grilled Steak | The bold flavors of Maker’s Mark 46 complement the rich, savory taste of grilled steak. |
| Dark Chocolate | The deep, complex flavors of Maker’s Mark 46 pair well with the sweetness of dark chocolate. |
| Smoked Salmon | The smoky notes of Maker’s Mark 46 complement the delicate flavor of smoked salmon. |
| Spicy BBQ Ribs | The spicy and sweet flavors of BBQ ribs are enhanced by the smoothness of Maker’s Mark 46. |
Maker’s Mark 46’s rich and complex flavor profile makes it an ideal pairing for a wide range of foods. Its caramel and vanilla notes complement the sweetness of dishes like barbecue ribs or glazed ham, while its spicy undertones make it a perfect match for savory dishes like grilled steak or roasted duck. The smooth and lingering finish of Maker’s Mark 46 also makes it an excellent accompaniment to rich desserts like chocolate cake or crème brûlée.
For a more casual pairing, try enjoying Maker’s Mark 46 with a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables. The whiskey’s bold flavors will stand up to the intense flavors of the charcuterie, while its smooth finish will cleanse the palate between bites.
When pairing Maker’s Mark 46 with food, it’s important to consider the balance of flavors and textures. The whiskey’s rich and complex profile can enhance the dining experience by adding depth and complexity to each bite, making it an excellent choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
Maker’s Mark 46 Cocktails and Mixology
While Maker’s Mark 46 is certainly enjoyable on its own, its rich flavor profile also makes it an excellent choice for cocktails. Its caramel and vanilla notes provide a solid base for classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, while its spicy undertones add depth to modern creations like the Bourbon Smash or Spiced Maple Sour.
For a simple yet satisfying cocktail, try mixing Maker’s Mark 46 with ginger beer and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a refreshing Kentucky Mule. The whiskey’s bold flavors will shine through the spicy ginger beer, creating a well-balanced and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.
For those who prefer sweeter cocktails, Maker’s Mark 46 can be used to create indulgent drinks like the Bourbon Milk Punch or Bourbon Pecan Pie Martini. These cocktails highlight the whiskey’s caramel and vanilla notes, creating decadent libations that are perfect for dessert or special occasions.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a carefully crafted cocktail, Maker’s Mark 46 offers a versatile and flavorful drinking experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.
Awards and Recognitions for Maker’s Mark 46
Since its introduction in 2010, Maker’s Mark 46 has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It has been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it has received gold medals for its outstanding flavor profile and smooth finish.
In addition to its critical acclaim, Maker’s Mark 46 has also been celebrated by whiskey enthusiasts around the world for its rich and complex flavor profile. Its unique combination of caramel, vanilla, and spice notes has made it a favorite among bourbon connoisseurs, who appreciate its bold yet balanced character.
Maker’s Mark 46’s accolades are a testament to the dedication and innovation of the Maker’s Mark distillery, which continues to uphold the tradition of excellence that has been synonymous with the brand since its inception. As one of the most celebrated bourbons on the market, Maker’s Mark 46 has solidified its place as a true icon in the world of whiskey.
The Future of Maker’s Mark 46: Innovations and New Releases
As one of the most beloved bourbons in the world, Maker’s Mark 46 continues to innovate and push boundaries in pursuit of new expressions and flavor profiles. The distillery has recently introduced limited edition releases that showcase different aging techniques and unique flavor combinations, allowing enthusiasts to explore new dimensions of their favorite whiskey.
In addition to limited edition releases, Maker’s Mark 46 has also expanded its presence in international markets, bringing its exceptional quality and craftsmanship to new audiences around the world. This global expansion has allowed more people to experience the rich and complex flavor profile of Maker’s Mark 46, further solidifying its status as a true icon in the world of bourbon.
Looking ahead, Maker’s Mark 46 shows no signs of slowing down in its pursuit of excellence. With a commitment to quality and innovation, it is poised to continue delighting whiskey enthusiasts with new expressions and exciting releases for years to come. As one of the most celebrated bourbons on the market, Maker’s Mark 46 is sure to remain a staple in bars and homes around the world for generations to come.
If you’re a fan of Maker’s Mark 46, you might be interested in learning more about the art of crafting cocktails. Check out this article on letssalsa.com for some creative and delicious cocktail recipes that will elevate your Maker’s Mark 46 experience. Whether you’re looking for a classic Old Fashioned or a unique twist on a whiskey sour, this article has something for every cocktail enthusiast.
FAQs
What is Maker’s Mark 46?
Maker’s Mark 46 is a premium bourbon whiskey produced by the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. It is a higher-proof, more mature version of the original Maker’s Mark bourbon.
How is Maker’s Mark 46 different from the original Maker’s Mark bourbon?
Maker’s Mark 46 is aged for a longer period and finished using seared French oak staves, which gives it a more complex and robust flavor profile compared to the original Maker’s Mark bourbon.
What is the flavor profile of Maker’s Mark 46?
Maker’s Mark 46 is known for its rich and bold flavors, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. It has a smooth and full-bodied taste with a lingering finish.
What is the alcohol content of Maker’s Mark 46?
Maker’s Mark 46 has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 47%, which is higher than the original Maker’s Mark bourbon.
How should Maker’s Mark 46 be enjoyed?
Maker’s Mark 46 can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Its complex flavors also make it a great choice for sipping and savoring.
Is Maker’s Mark 46 available worldwide?
Maker’s Mark 46 is distributed internationally and can be found in many countries around the world. However, availability may vary depending on the region.