Olivia Taylor
Review of Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength (2023 Release)
Nose
A waft of rich burnt caramel greets you in a glass of Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength. Underneath there are notes of charred oak, light leather, and a dollop of marshmallow, with a tingle of ethanol grounding the bouquet. Breathing in further reveals scents of baked cinnamon apples and baked pie crust. The weighty oak and leather notes provide a nice foundation to the sweeter notes.
Palate
The sweet notes from the nose transfer over to the palate, giving the sip a pleasant boost of dark caramel and brown sugar. This is accompanied with a bright flavor of cinnamon along with faint notes of summer fruits and a light drizzle of honey. The flavors are deliciously sweet, yet don’t overpower thanks to the anchoring presence of charred oak.
Finish
The finish begins with sweetness that lingers in the form of fresh cinnamon bread, before transitioning to more dry notes of dry charred oak and a hint of leather. A light touch of white peppercorn grounds it further before quickly departing. The finish ends on a lingering note of dried charred oak, with a warm heat accompanying it.
Uniqueness
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength provides a nice variation on the standard Maker’s Mark 46 offering. That being said, other wheater barrel proof bourbons consistently provide a better overall pour.It’s tough to deny that these bourbons have set a new bar for what it means to be a high proof wheated bourbon.
Value
Coming in at $65, this barrel proof wheated bourbon is an above average value in today’s marketplace. With bourbon prices continuously increasing, Maker’s Mark continues to provide a consumer friendly price with all of their products, making this bourbon an even better deal.
Overall
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength continues to provide an enjoyable and above average pour for an affordable price. While the wheated notes won’t be for everyone, the sip is deliciously sweet, gathering its flavor from the secondary wheat grain and the wood staves used to finish the bourbon. The updated bottle design gives the product a fresh new look, and hopefully more people will be able to find it on shelves. Those who have never tried Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength should give it a chance- it won’t be mind-blowing, but you won’t be disappointed either
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Release Date: 2023
Proof: 110.3
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Bright Copper
MSRP: $65 (2023)
The nose of this 2023 release of Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength is a complex delight. The combination of sweet and savory aromas creates a warm and inviting experience that foreshadows the taste to come. With each sniff, new layers of fragrance are discovered, making it a truly enjoyable whisky to explore.
The nose of this 2023 release showcases a harmonious blend of sweet, warm, and slightly smoky aromas that instantly entice the senses. The hints of baked goods add a layer of complexity, making this bourbon truly unique and a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast.
The nose of this 2023 release of Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength is both bold and inviting. The combination of sweet and savory aromas creates a balanced and complex sensory experience. Whether sipped neat or in a cocktail, this whiskey promises to be a delicious and enjoyable experience for any whiskey lover.