Maker's 46 was created by Bill Samuels, Jr., to amplify the flavors he loves in Maker's Mark. The innovative wood stave finishing process starts with fully matured Maker's Mark at cask strength. We then insert seared virgin French oak staves into the barrel and finish it a bit longer in our limestone cellar. The result is Maker's 46: bolder and more complex, but without the bitterness typical of longer aged whiskies.