Maker's ‘46’ is essentially a variation on traditional Makers Mark, whereby the finished product is transferred in just–emptied barrels containing a series of heavily seared French Oak staves – the number '46' refers to the stave profile utilized, not the ABV - which is left to interact, and season the Bourbon for an additional 2-3 month period.The searing eliminates any tannic bitterness within the oak, contributing a series of spicy notes otherwise non-existent with traditional wheat Bourbon profiles.