Maker's Mark 46 vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:14 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Maker’s Mark 46 vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Maker’s Mark 46 vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Comparison

Maker’s Mark 46: Diving into a deeper bourbon experience with oak, cherry, and vanilla leading to a richly spiced finish. This 94-proof whiskey marries intensity with Maker’s Mark’s signature smoothness, offering a complex, yet accessible taste. Ideal for enhancing with water.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A luxurious journey through vanilla and butterscotch, framed by oak and brown sugar. This 90-proof bourbon’s double-oaked process enriches its flavor, creating a long, indulgent finish that’s perfect for sipping on the rocks or in cocktails.

Key Difference: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is re-aged in extra-toasted, lightly-charred barrels for 9 months. Maker’s Mark 46 is aged Maker’s Mark with seared French oak staves, adding distinct flavors through an extra 6 months of aging.

Verdict: Maker’s Mark 46 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked both present elevated bourbon experiences. Maker’s Mark 46 brings a bold twist on a classic, while Woodford Reserve Double Oaked offers a sweet, deeply flavored treat, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top-Rated 90-Proof Bourbons

Maker’s Mark 46: Unveiling a Deeper, Bolder Bourbon Experience

Nose: Oak, cherry, vanilla, ripe fruit
Palate: Oak, cherry, vanilla, caramel
Finish: Medium-length, oak, cherry, spice
Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
How to drink: Add water

Looking for a Maker’s Mark experience that packs a more powerful punch? Enter Maker’s Mark 46, a bourbon that amplifies the classic while retaining its signature smoothness. Here’s what awaits your senses:

Aroma: Imagine the familiar notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla you love about Maker’s Mark, but with a subtle hint of fruit adding an intriguing twist.

Taste: Brace yourself for a bolder introduction with strong oak flavor leading the charge. But fear not, it quickly mellows into delightful vanilla, cherry, and caramel notes, reminiscent of your favorite dessert pie.

Finish: The long, warming finish is where this bourbon truly shines. Linger longer with lingering oak, juicy cherry, and a spicy kick that ensures a satisfying conclusion.

More Than Just Maker’s Mark Amplified:

Deeper & Bolder: While sharing the classic profile, the 46 boasts an intensified presence of oak and vanilla, creating a richer, more complex experience.
Perfectly Balanced: Despite its bolder flavors, the bourbon remains well-rounded and avoids becoming overwhelming, making it enjoyable for both seasoned drinkers and newbies alike.
From Nose to Finish: Every step of the journey, from the initial aroma to the lingering warmth, is an improvement over the original, offering a more complete and satisfying experience.

Bonus Tip: Pair this bourbon with your favorite dessert for a flavor explosion! The complementary notes of oak, vanilla, and cherry will create a symphony on your palate.

Maker’s Mark 46 Facts:

Aged for around 6 and a half years, bringing maturity to its flavor profile.
Crafted with the same unique mash bill of 70% corn, 16% red wheat, and 14% malted barley as the original, ensuring a familiar foundation with exciting twists.
Hand-dipped in the iconic red wax seal, signifying the brand’s commitment to tradition and quality.
Part of the Beam Suntory family, alongside renowned brands like Jim Beam, ensuring dedication to innovation and excellence.

Whether you’re a Maker’s Mark devotee seeking a deeper experience or a bourbon explorer looking for something smooth yet complex, Maker’s Mark 46 is a journey worth taking. Its bolder flavors, balanced character, and satisfying finish will leave you wanting more.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Indulge in Vanilla & Butterscotch Bliss

Nose: Oak, butterscotch, vanilla, brown sugar
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, old leather
Finish: Long, vanilla, butterscotch, espresso coffee
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Woodford Reserve
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Craving a bourbon that leans sweet and indulgent? Look no further than Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Its unique double-barreling process delivers a flavor profile bursting with vanilla, butterscotch, and warm, comforting notes. Let’s explore:

Aroma: Brace yourself for an initial wave of warmth that opens up to reveal sweet oak, caramel, vanilla, and hints of brown sugar.

Taste: The warmth fades into a wave of rich vanilla, followed by complementary hints of caramel, brown sugar, and subtle touches of old leather and barrel char. The buttery body makes it smooth and pleasant on the palate.

Finish: Prepare for a long, warm embrace of vanilla, butterscotch, and a whisper of espresso. It’s a satisfying finale that lingers in the chest.

What Makes it Special:

Sweet Indulgence: Compared to traditional Woodford Reserve, the double-barreling process amps up the sweetness, delivering a richer profile heavy on vanilla and butterscotch.
Smooth Despite the Warmth: While it packs a bit more heat than the original, it remains smooth and avoids any harshness, making for a pleasurable drinking experience.
Comforting Finish: The lingering warmth in the finish adds a layer of coziness, perfect for sipping on chilly evenings.

Bonus Tip: Enjoy this bourbon neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its rich flavor profile.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Facts:

First aged for 7 years, followed by a second aging of 9 months in specially toasted and lightly charred barrels.
Awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.
Part of the Brown-Forman family, which also owns Jack Daniel’s.

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your sweet tooth journey, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a must-try. Its indulgent flavor profile and smooth warmth make it a luxurious addition to your bourbon collection.

What’s special about Maker’s Mark 46 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?

The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked undergoes a process of second aging, where it is placed in barrels that have been toasted for twice the usual duration but with a lighter charring compared to the other casks.

This additional aging takes place for a period of 9 months.

On the other hand, to create Maker’s Mark 46, the distillery takes fully aged traditional Maker’s Mark at cask strength and introduces especially seared French oak staves into the barrels.

These seared oak staves impart unique flavors and characteristics to the bourbon.

Following the introduction of the seared oak staves, the bourbon undergoes an additional aging period of approximately 6 months.