Well with Taste Camp right around the corner and Mrs. Wino passing on a glass of wine this evening, I decided to pour a small glass of Maker’s 46, the new(er) bottling from Maker’s Mark.  As someone with proud Kentucky heritage, bourbon is tradition.  Despite this, I don’t drink it too often, and usually enjoy it when friends come over.  However, as one who’s not too keen to waste wine, I felt like uncorking a little something different tonight.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Bill Samuels Jr (who had recently retired as CEO of Maker’s Mark) on a visit to Maker’s Mark Distillery last year during a trip to see family.  I’d heard of Maker’s 46, but it wasn’t until the tasting at the end of our tour did I finally get to try it.  Having Bill share a little about the Bourbon was quite a treat as well.
Following consumer comments that Maker’s Mark was too boring (my words), the distillery decided that they needed something a bit different, while at the same time staying true to themselves (unlike others: Red Stag anyone?–again, my words).  The result: Maker’s 46.  The 46 represents the 46th version/recipe they tried, if my memory serves me correct.  The difference?  More time in oak, plus the edition of some seasoned oak staves.  That’s it.  It’s genuine Maker’s Mark Bourbon, aged a little longer.
The results are pretty delicious.  Tasted side by side, as they do at the distillery, you can certainly taste the difference.  I prefer the 46, but Makers Mark is still a solid bourbon.
Maker’s 46 tasted in my living room? Â Delicious and smooth. Â I prefer ice in my bourbon to let it loosen up a little, however, this one doesn’t need a whole lot because it’s smooth to begin with.
Maker’s Mark hit a home run with this, I highly recommend you pick up a bottle, as you won’t be disappointed.
