Maker's Mark 46 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Not too long ago, while staying true to the craft and heritage of Maker's Mark, Master Distiller Kevin Smith began some lengthy "trial and error" to create something new and different. After more than a few failures and bad ideas, Kevin reached the conclusion that the foundation for any new whisky we create should ultimately be our original whiskey - fully matured Maker's Mark. So, with the help of barrel maker Brad Boswell, Kevin started over. Together, they began even more experimentation, realizing that their new creation simply couldn't come from artificial flavors, but, instead, it had to come naturally from grains and wood. In December 2009, one taste of the new product said it all - "We finally got it right."

It’s everything you love about Maker’s Mark with a whole lot more to love. Our founder himself, Bill Samuels, Sr., was the first fan of this high proof bourbon. Bill liked to tuck a little 101 aside for friends and special occasions. And for a long time, this was the only way you could experience these intensified notes of caramel and spice brought on by the higher proof – yet matched with that familiar Maker’s Mark smoothness. Now – at special times during the year – this limited release is available for you to share with guests of your own. Learn about how the whisky at the core of Maker’s Mark 101 is brought to life below.

Pleasant, sweet, toasty oak nose with caramel overtones. More intense aroma without an alcohol nose. Rich, creamy seared-oak flavors; caramel and vanilla notes linger on the front of the palate, but it is still soft enough to hold on the tongue even at 94 proof. A big mouth-watering oaky finish. Long with a little spice, staying forward on the palate without the bitter bite found in older whiskies.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Hints of toasty French oak, caramel and baking spices.

Taste: Mildly sweet and uniquely layered with deep rich notes of vanilla and baking spice.

Finish: Velvety subtle and pleasingly long.