Maker's 46 Bourbon Review | An Oldie But Goodie with an Innovative Story | The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Maker's 46 is the innovation play from one of bourbon's most conservative brands. Crystal and Roger revisit this classic to understand what French oak staves inside an already-finished barrel actually accomplish — and whether the result is worth the premium.
Bottle Specs
Spirit: Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky
Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon — secondary wood finishing
Process: Fully matured Maker's Mark + 10 seared French oak staves inserted into barrel
ABV: 47% (94 proof)
Price: ~$35–40
Named for: 'Recipe 46' — the winning stave trial
The Maker's 46 Innovation Story
When Bill Samuels Jr. wanted a more complex version without changing the house style, he developed the stave insertion technique: fully matured Maker's Mark with seared French oak staves added inside the barrel. He tried 52 different stave configurations before landing on 'Recipe 46.'
What the French Oak Staves Add
French oak has smaller pores than American white oak, meaning slower extraction of flavor compounds. Searing (not charring) contributes vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. The result is bourbon that reads unmistakably as Maker's but with more depth and a drier finish.
Tasting Notes — 46 vs Standard Maker's
Nose: Classic Maker's caramel and vanilla with added French oak vanilla and baking spice. Palate: Fuller than standard with the wheat sweetness now counterbalanced by more oak structure. Finish: Longer and drier — the French oak tannins add a pleasant bitterness at the very end.
🥃 Crystal & Roger's LC Recommendations
For Maker's Mark drinkers: 46 is the clear upgrade. It costs $5–8 more and delivers measurably more complexity.
For bourbon beginners: 46 is approachable enough to start with while being interesting enough to keep your attention as your palate develops.
For the comparison: Buy standard Maker's and 46 together. The French oak stave difference is exactly as tangible as the production story suggests.
LC Verdict
An oldie but a genuine goodie. Maker's 46 is proof that innovation doesn't have to mean departure — it can mean deepening what's already excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maker's Mark 46 worth the extra money over regular Maker's Mark?
Yes, clearly. At $5–8 more than the standard expression, Maker's 46 delivers meaningfully more complexity — longer finish, more oak structure, and a French oak vanilla character that the standard bottle simply doesn't have. It's one of the best value upgrades in any spirits brand's lineup.
What is the difference between Maker's Mark and Maker's Mark 46?
Regular Maker's Mark is 45% ABV (90 proof) and uses no secondary wood treatment. Maker's 46 is 47% ABV (94 proof) and adds 10 seared French oak staves to barrels of fully matured Maker's Mark for additional aging. The French oak adds vanilla, caramel, and a baking spice complexity alongside a drier, longer finish.
How do you drink Maker's Mark 46?
Neat or with a single large ice cube — this is a sipping bourbon, not a mixing bourbon. The French oak complexity is what you're paying for and it deserves attention. In an Old Fashioned it excels. Avoid mixing with anything that will overpower the subtle oak character.
What does 'French oak staves' mean in bourbon production?
Oak staves are thin strips of wood inserted directly into the aging barrel. French oak staves differ from the American white oak barrel itself — they have smaller pores, which means slower and more delicate flavor extraction. Searing (toasting) the staves before insertion develops vanillin and caramel compounds without the bitter char layer that charred American oak produces.
Is Maker's 46 a good gift?
Excellent gift. The familiar Maker's Mark brand recognition combined with the '46' story makes it a bottle that impresses without requiring the recipient to be a whiskey expert. At $35–40 it's the right price for a thoughtful spirits gift that doesn't feel excessive.
Drink To Remember, Not To Forget. 🥃
Comments