Introduction
Today, we’re diving into a special bourbon that rounds out a significant part of the Maker's Mark lineup: Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength. We’ve previously reviewed Maker’s Cask Strength and Maker’s 46, but this is our first time trying the cask strength version of Maker's 46. Coming in at 109.6 proof, this French oak stave-finished bourbon is an exciting addition to our lineup. This bottle was generously provided by a friend of the show, and we couldn’t be more excited to see how this version of Maker’s compares to the rest.
This review is taken from our episode "The Passion of the Christ / Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The first thing that hits me is cherry. It’s unmistakable that this is a well-wheated bourbon. There’s also a lot of peanut notes, and the oakiness definitely starts to show up too. It’s a really pleasant mix of cherry, caramel, vanilla, and peanuts. Overall, this nose gives me a lot of classic bourbon notes with a nice oaky backdrop. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Bob: I’m totally with you on the cherry. There’s a black cherry ice cream vibe here, and that peanut waxiness is unmistakable. It reminds me a bit of the PB&J of whiskeys, with some sawdusty oak coming through. I love that hint of oak because it reminds me of my favorite bourbons. I’m going to give it an 8.5/10.
Taste
Brad: This palate is delicious. I’m getting a cherry flavor that’s reminiscent of a wild cherry Capri Sun—sweet, but not too thick. The nuttiness sticks around, and the vanilla really takes the forefront here. It’s got a really pleasant flavor profile that builds on the nose. I’m going to give it an 8.5/10.
Bob: I like the palate, but I’m going to go a little lower than you. There’s a slight bitterness to the oak finish that comes in late, and it almost gives off a vegetal note that doesn’t sit well with me. That said, I still like the initial cherry and grapiness, but it’s that bitter oak at the end that pulls me out of it a little. I’m going with a 7.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish is where it drops off a bit for me. The oakiness becomes more pronounced, but it loses some of the more vibrant flavors from the palate. That said, the cherry sticks around for a bit, and there’s still a nice, lingering oaky note. I’ll give the finish a 7.5/10.
Bob: I agree with you. The finish retains some of that soft wheat character, but the bitter oak kind of takes over. It’s not bad, but it could be better. I’ll also give it a 7.5/10.
Balance
Brad: This is a well-balanced whiskey. The movement from nose to palate to finish is smooth, and nothing feels out of place. It’s not the most complex bourbon we’ve had, but it’s consistent from start to finish. I’ll give it a 7.5/10 on balance.
Bob: I think the consistency is good, but I wish the palate and finish had a bit more complexity. It’s a well-made whiskey, but it doesn’t quite push the boundaries for me. I’m going to go with a 7/10 for balance.
Value
Bob: At around $60, this is priced on the higher end for cask-strength bourbons. While I think there are better options at this price point, you’re also paying for the finishing process with the French oak staves. Taking that into account, I think it’s fairly priced. I’m giving it a 7/10 on value.
Brad: I’m a bit lower on value. While it’s a good whiskey, there are other cask-strength options that offer a bit more complexity for less. I think if this were closer to $50, it would be a better value. I’m going with a 6.5/10.
Final Scores
Bob’s Final Score: 37.5/50
Brad’s Final Score: 38/50
Average Final Score: 37.75/50
Conclusion
With a final score of 37.75/50, Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength falls into the “recommended” category, but just barely. While it’s a solid whiskey with a nice balance of flavors, it doesn’t quite reach the levels of some other cask-strength bourbons on the market. If you’re a fan of the Maker’s Mark profile, especially the original 46, this is worth trying—but we think the standard Maker’s Cask Strength might offer a better value overall. That said, for a pour at a bar, this is a solid choice for those looking to explore the world of stave-finished bourbons.
At $60, it’s not an immediate buy for us, but it’s a worthy addition to any bourbon lover’s lineup if you’re looking for something with a bit of complexity and depth. Cheers!
