Makers Mark 46 - Cask Strength - Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
$60
Makers Mark 46 – Cask Strength – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Collection: Limited Edition – Cask Strength – Stave Profile # 46 (2021)
Proof: 110.3
Age: NAS
Distillery: Makers Mark Distillery Inc
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Barley
Website: Makers Mark
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: The proof comes through on the nose. It isn’t a sleeper. Caramel, Vanilla, Earthy Lemon Grass, other sweet notes of Toffee and a side of Cinnamon.
Taste/Palate: It coats the mouth well and is much smoother on the palate than it was on the nose regarding heat. Mostly sweet characteristics showcase this palate – Caramel, Toasted Oak, Mild Cinnamon, Grains (wheat), and light Leather.
Finish: The finish is where the proof comes through more, it’s not overly hot, but more pronounced. It’s the same Sweet / Cinnamon dram from the word go, but it develops more in the Finish. Caramel, Vanilla, Mild Oak, Tobacco, & Black Cherries.
Verdict: There isn’t anything too complex here. It’s straight forward and very solid. It’s safe. If you are a fan of wheat bourbons but want a little extra kick, this is for you. You won’t find any surprises here and in my opinion won’t deliver that “whoa” experience. It’s a thumbs up for $60, but knowing what I know now I’d rather a 1.75 liter of standard Makers at $39 vs a 750ML of this for $60. I feel bad knocking value down for costing $60 and comparing it to the much more affordable other Makers product. If I were to cast a wider net $60 is not out of line for this product these days. 2 years ago I would have a different opinion, but as it stands today. Its a recommended buy (for wheated and high proof lovers).
The Story: I saw this on the shelf and it had that “limit one” tag in front of it. Eye Roll. Once a liquor store does that people immediately gravitate towards it. I recall a month ago when I was in a Total Wine and there were some bourbon hunters looking over the shelves in a Total Wine. They were eying the Garrison Brothers because it was in a case and said “limit one”. I suggested the Remus Repeal V that was on the shelf and $10 less. Since it was on the shelf and not limited (at that time) they decided to go for the Garrison. Mistake in my opinion. That encounter motivated me to pick up an extra bottle of Remus Repeal V since my first was already half gone and I was filling up sample bottles for others to give it a try.
The Distillery’s Story: I highly recommend checking out Makers Mark website and give it a tour. It can provide much better information about the brand than I can summarize. I also highly recommend checking out their Ambassador program. You become a Makers Mark “Ambassador”. Your name along with about 20 others get’s put on a barrel and in about 7 year when your barrel is finished you get a shot at purchasing bottles from that barrel. Makers is also nice enough to send a Christmas gift each year. I got a Christmas Ornament one year and this year they gave a Makers Mark Puzzle.
Regarding this particular bottle – Stave Profile # 46. It is Bill Samuels Jr’s preferred profile. Makers has been experimenting with many different stave profiles. Bars, Store, Restaurants, etc. can develop their own version of makers using the many different stave profiles, by mixing and matching to their desired palate. Profile # 46 has become a staple offering from Makers. This bottle is the cask strength version of that particular profile.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
Click Image for About Us Page