We continue our look at whiskey brands available around this world for gift giving or travel options.
Maker’s Mark 46: Maker’s Mark is already an internationally popular small batch whiskey, and its 46 is a more exclusive edition of the world famous Bourbon. According to Maker’s Mark Master Distiller David Pickerell, 46 is only during the winter month and takes its name from the #4 char barrels it ages in for six years.
The resulting whiskey is much darker and richer than standard Maker’s Mark. It’s stronger than the original, too — with an alcohol by volume rating of 47% — 2% higher. This 46 is known as a “wheater” whiskey — relying on wheat instead of rye and ensuring a whiskey that doesn’t burn or bite as much as some older whiskies might.
Related: Glengoyne Pours Out the Magic of Scotch
Woodford Reserve: A Kentucky original, Woodford Reserve, is a high-end favorite in the UK and USA. It’s an ideal bourbon when making classic American cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.
Chris Morris, Woodford Reserves’ Master Distiller explains that the end products is hand-crafted in small batches, “combining citrus, cinnamon, cocoa, toffee, caramel, chocolate and other spice notes for a silky smooth, almost creamy finish with a warm satisfying tail.”
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whiskey: This brand also comes into the world from James Sedgwick’s Distillery and Master Distiller Watts. Bain’s is matured for the full five years in ex-bourbon casks using a double maturation process in which, after three years, the whiskey is re-vatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks. When it hits the glass, it’s a mature and sophisticated treat whether straight or opened up with an ice cube or water.
