How to Drink Maker’s Mark 46

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 12:55 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Maker’s Mark 46: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this Bourbon.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Maker’s Mark 46 is enhanced with a splash of water, which brings out cherry flavors and moderates oak and alcohol intensity, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
• The bourbon’s production includes seared French oak staves in aged barrels, adding oak and vanilla nuances.
• Flavor profile: oak, caramel, vanilla, fruit, cherry, and subtle spice.
• Ideal in a Glencairn or whiskey rocks glass.
• Pairs with blue cheese and fig crostini, smoked gouda charcuterie, milk chocolate with hazelnuts, and barbecue pork ribs.
• Storage should be in a cool, dark place, keeping the seal tight.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Maker’s Mark 46

“Maker’s Mark 46 shines when a splash of water is added, as this not only brings out its cherry flavors but also gently tones down the oak and alcohol intensity. “, suggests Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

If you’re already a fan of the standard Maker’s Mark, you’ll likely appreciate this upgraded version.

Maker’s Mark 46 is a sophisticated take on the classic bourbon, achieved by placing specially seared French oak staves into barrels that have already been fully aged.

This process imparts a stronger oak presence, enhances the vanilla nuances, and overall refines its flavor.

The bourbon then undergoes an extra six months of aging before being bottled.

The additional cost of Maker’s Mark 46 over the regular version is justified by its enhanced quality and refined taste.

Related: Discover the Best Maker’s Mark Bourbons

Adding Water

Determining the precise amount of water to add to your whiskey is a personal journey.

Begin by sniffing the whiskey at room temperature, taking in its full aroma.

Swirl it around, then taste it as it is, directly from the bottle using a Glencairn glass.

Next, add a single drop of water and taste again.

Continue adding water drop by drop, tasting each time, until you reach the ideal balance that suits your palate.

Be cautious and don’t overdo it as too much water kills the flavor.

Adding Ice

Consider avoiding ice for chilling your bourbon, as the coldness can suppress the release of its flavors.

Instead, for a more enhanced experience, opt for stainless steel whiskey stones.

These not only chill the whiskey more effectively but also lend an element of elegance to your drink.

Recommended Glassware

Enjoying Maker’s Mark 46 in a Glencairn or a whiskey rocks glass is ideal, as they enhance the bourbon’s aroma, enriching the tasting experience.

Tasting Notes

The nose is rich, with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of fruit.

Tasting it, the oak is prominent at first, soon complemented by a touch of vanilla.

It has a good texture that evolves into flavors of cherry and caramel.

In the finish, it lingers with a gentle warmth, highlighting flavors of oak, cherry, and a subtle spice.

Maker’s Mark 46 in Cocktails

When it comes to cocktails I still prefer the regular Maker’s Mark as it is more affordable since I typically lean toward cheaper bourbons to make cocktails.

However, here are some recipes that you can explore:

46 Fashioned

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• Angostura bitters
• Orange twist for garnish
• Ice

Muddle sugar cube and bitters, add bourbon, stir with ice, and garnish with an orange twist.

Spiced Bourbon Cider

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 4 oz apple cider
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Warm the mixture and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Maple Bourbon Smash

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Ice

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain, and garnish with mint leaves.

Food Pairings

Feel free to explore a wide variety of recipes, yet these recipes provide a good match for the Maker’s Mark 46:

• Blue Cheese and Fig Crostini: The tangy cheese and sweet figs complement the bourbon’s spice and vanilla notes.
• Charcuterie with Smoked Gouda: The smokiness of the cheese and savory meats highlight the bourbon’s warm oak flavors.
• Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts: The creamy chocolate pairs well with the bourbon’s smooth, sweet profile.
• Barbecue Pork Ribs: The rich, smoky flavors of the ribs match the depth and warmth of Maker’s Mark 46.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Keep the seal tight to prevent oxidation.
• Finish within a reasonable time after the bottle is quarter empty to maintain flavor integrity.

About Maker’s Mark 46

• Bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV).
• Maker’s Mark 46 is an advanced version of the classic bourbon, distinguished by its unique production process.
• It is aged for approximately 6.5 years.
• The bourbon is crafted using Maker’s Mark’s traditional mash bill of corn, red winter wheat, and barley.
• A key feature in its production includes placing specially seared French oak staves into fully aged barrels, enhancing the oak influence and vanilla notes, and refining the overall taste.
• Following this, the bourbon undergoes an extra six months of aging before it is bottled.
• The iconic red wax seal on Maker’s bottles, still hand-applied today, sets it apart visually.