What’s Behind the Red Wax? Maker’s Mark Deep Dive – Classic, 46, and 101 Reviewed

Jun 20

If you’ve ever stood in the bourbon aisle, mesmerized by a bottle of Maker’s Mark dripping in red wax and thought, “Does that wax actually mean it tastes better?”—you’re not alone. In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we’re doing more than just asking the question. We’re opening three bottles, pouring generously, and giving you the truth—neat.

We’re kicking off our multi-part Maker’s Mark series with a tasting showdown featuring:

The Original Maker’s Mark Bourbon
The spice-forward Maker’s 46
And the amped-up Maker’s Mark 101

It’s a wheated bourbon lineup packed with heritage, heat, and that signature wax seal drama.

🔥 Maker’s Mark: Where the Wax Meets the Whiskey

Maker’s Mark was founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., who literally set fire to his family’s old bourbon recipe to create something smoother. The game-changing move? Swapping rye out of the mash bill and replacing it with red winter wheat, giving Maker’s its famously mellow character.

But it wasn’t just the juice that got people talking. It was Margie Samuels—Bill’s wife—who designed the label, the bottle, and the iconic red wax dip. She even got the distillery added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Margie didn’t just brand a bourbon—she built a legend.

Today, Maker’s is owned by Beam Suntory, but production still happens in Loretto, Kentucky, on the same site, with the same dedication to taste-first bourbon.

🥃 What We’re Pouring

1. Maker’s Mark Original

Mash Bill: 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley
Proof: 90
MSRP: ~$30
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla, citrus, and honey-wheat bread
- Palate: Butterscotch, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Warm, sweet, and clean

This one’s the OG. The bottle everyone’s seen—and maybe even underestimated. But does familiarity breed contempt… or everyday greatness?

2. Maker’s 46

Same mash bill as the Original
Finished with 10 seared French oak staves
Proof: 94
MSRP: ~$45
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, baking spice
- Palate: Spiced crème brûlée, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Finish: Long and bold, with added complexity

Maker’s 46 is what happens when you add some French flair to your bourbon aging process. The staves don’t just add wood—they bring fire and finesse.

3. Maker’s Mark 101

Same mash bill as the others
Proof: 101
MSRP: ~$45–$50
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Caramel, toasted nuts, vanilla, heat
- Palate: Deep caramel, oak, leather, baking spice
- Finish: Lingering, warm, spicy
Originally a travel retail exclusive, Maker’s 101 is now available in limited releases and brings the boldness without going full barrel proof.

🧪 The Verdict – Bourbon Review, Tortured Style

In true Tortured Bourbon fashion, we put all three through the wringer using our signature ranking scale:

Piddlin – Leave it on the shelf
Bless Your Heart – You tried
That Dog Will Hunt – A dependable daily sipper
Hush Your Mouth – A certified banger
Cock of the Walk – Top-shelf, hoard-worthy glory

Did the Original hold up under scrutiny? Did 46 bring the flavor drama? Did 101 finally give us the punch we didn’t know we needed? You’ll have to watch the full episode to find out.

📺 Watch the Episode

👉 Watch What’s Behind the Red Wax? Maker’s Mark Deep Dive – Classic, 46, and 101 Reviewed on YouTube now.

Get the full tasting breakdown, live reactions, and plenty of banter about wax, wheat, and whiskey marketing sorcery.

💬 Join the Conversation

Got a favorite Maker’s Mark release? Tried a Private Selection pick that blew your mind? Want to explain why you think Maker’s 46 is better than the original? We want to hear it.

Drop a comment on the episode or message us on social media. We’re always up for good bourbon talk—and even better pours.

📱 Follow Us

Facebook: @TorturedBourbon
Instagram & X: @TorturedBourbon
No TikTok. No dancing. Just whiskey, wax, and wisecracks.

🥃 Final Thoughts

Three pours. One distillery. A whole lot of history, flavor, and that unmistakable red wax. Whether you’re a Maker’s Mark loyalist or just bourbon-curious, this tasting is a reminder that sometimes the classics are still worth revisiting—and sometimes, they even surprise you.

Cheers, y’all. Stay neat, stay curious, and stay tortured.