Maker's Mark – 46 French Oaked

A Kentucky bourbon that builds on standard Maker's Mark and was the first addition to the Maker's Mark range since the 1950s. Charred French oak staves are placed in the barrels, and the stave profile number 46 gives the bourbon its name. The result is a spicier take on the house style, described as a cousin to the standard bottling rather than a rival to it. The nose combines toffee sweetness, fresh sawdust, roasted notes, sweet spice and thick caramel. The palate is creamy and soft before spice opens at the tip of the tongue, with nutmeg, mulled wine spices, allspice, cinnamon and a touch of hot apple juice. The finish keeps its sweet spice and turns grassy after about a minute.