Today's review explores Maker's Mark No. 46 French Oaked Bourbon, a wheated bourbon with a bold, layered profile, alongside the Plasencia Alma Fuerte, a full-bodied Nicaraguan cigar known for its complexity. Together, they promise a sophisticated sensory journey.
Maker's Mark No. 46, introduced in 2010, enhances the classic Maker's Mark recipe (70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, 14% barley). After aging 5-7 years, ten seared French oak staves are added to the barrel for 2-3 months of additional aging in a limestone cellar. Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), it’s bolder and more complex than the original.

• Appearance: Ruddy amber with a maple glow.
  
• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, cinnamon, and hints of cherry and apple.
  
• Palate: Creamy with caramel, butterscotch, roasted oak, and baking spices. Subtle dark chocolate and apricot add depth.
  
• Finish: Medium-long, velvety, with charred oak, caramel, and a touch of citrus.
  

No. 46 is refined yet approachable, with French oak adding robust depth. Priced at <$50, it’s a great value for sipping neat or in cocktails.
The Plasencia Alma Fuerte, from the renowned Plasencia family, uses Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo tobaccos with a dark Jalapa wrapper. This full-bodied cigar, available in sizes like Sixto II (6 x 60), offers a 60-90 minute smoke.

• Appearance: Dark, oily wrapper with a firm build.
  
• Cold Draw: Earthy with cocoa and leather hints.
  
• First Third: Dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper with a creamy texture.
  
• Second Third: Cedar, roasted nuts, and molasses; pepper softens.
  
• Final Third: Earthy with cocoa and charred wood; lingering spice.
  

Bold yet balanced, the Alma Fuerte delivers complexity and smooth construction. At $20-30 per stick, it’s a premium cigar but worth the price.
No. 46 and Alma Fuerte create a harmonious pairing. The bourbon’s caramel and oak complement the cigar’s chocolate and cedar, while its fruitiness cuts through the cigar’s intensity.

• Complementary Notes: Bourbon’s sweetness aligns with the cigar’s molasses; oak matches cedar.
  
• Contrasting Elements: Bourbon’s citrus refreshes the palate; cigar’s tobacco deepens the bourbon’s spice.
  
• Experience: Sip the bourbon, then puff the cigar to blend creamy and spicy notes. The 94-proof bourbon holds up to the cigar’s strength.
  

• Start with a sip, then light the cigar; alternate slowly.
  
• Enjoy in a relaxed, ventilated setting with water nearby.
  
• Savor over 60-90 minutes.
  

Maker's Mark No. 46 and Plasencia Alma Fuerte form a superb pairing, balancing sweetness, spice, and depth. At $30-40 for the bourbon and $18-22 per cigar, it’s a luxurious yet accessible duo. Perfect for enthusiasts, this combination shines in relaxed settings.
Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect pairing with engaging complexity.
Recommendation: Keep both on hand for special evenings. Try different Alma Fuerte vitolas for variety.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sticks-n-stonez--5910792/support.