Maker's 46 begins with the Maker’s Mark® base bourbon which is then reaged for several months, in barrels containing seared French oak staves. Hand-dipped in the famous red wax, Maker’s 46® is a bit stronger and bolder than the original Maker’s Mark® delivering a rich, creamy seared-oak flavor, but is still soft enough to hold on the tongue, even at 94 proof. It’s a bigger, bolder taste, but doesn’t have the harshness of most complex whiskies so it isn’t an acquired taste.