Take a peek behind the bar and you’ll see an array of different whiskeys, probably so many that choosing one can feel overwhelming. Usually, people end up choosing Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey because it’s known to be available in quantity. However, if you want to broaden your horizons, you can play it safe by choosing another whiskey produced by Jack Daniel’s. For a natural upgrade, there’s a premium whiskey with similar characteristics: Maker’s Mark 46.
Jack Daniel’s has an extremely complex taste, with strong oak notes and a hint of vanilla sweetness. Maker’s Mark 46 is a relatively high alcohol (94% ABV) product that is aged a bit longer on toasted French oak staves than standard Maker’s Mark. With aromas of caramel, baking spices, and the aforementioned French oak, this whiskey has a rich vanilla flavor and a smooth finish.
Read more: The 30 Best Bourbon Brands Ranked
Learn about Maker’s Mark 46
A row of Maker’s Mark 46 bottles of beer on a shelf in a liquor store – The Image Party/Shutterstock
When Maker’s Mark 46 was released, it was the first new flavor from the iconic brewery since 1958. If you like Jack Daniel’s, it’s also one of eight whiskeys worth trying. While there are some differences between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey—most notably the observance of the rules required for bourbon production—there are also many similarities. The wheat content of this bourbon gives it a soft finish, not unlike charcoal-filtered Jack Daniels.
Another reason Maker’s is the next logical step for Jack Daniel’s is that it takes these shared flavor profiles and builds on them. “The caramel is rich and aromatic, with lovely vanilla notes. Toasted oak and an array of delicious fruits showcase the patient aging process,” our taste tester wrote. In other words, fans of Jack Daniel’s will find the spirit they recognize in Maker’s Mark 46, but as if every dial was turned up to 11.
As a fan, I personally think Maker’s Mark 46 is best consumed neat or over the rocks; it has a very smooth finish, especially for higher strength products. That being said, bourbon can also shine in a classic Manhattan or a simple whiskey highball.
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
