Maker’s 46 has been available in the US since 2010 and it is hoped the time is right to roll it out in the UK market.

It will launch initially in Harrods on August 26.

Janice McIntosh, Maxxium UK marketing controller for imported whiskey, told DI: “Bourbon is up 60% in the UK off trade and 40% in the on trade. We are really look forward to growing our share of the premium category.”

Amanda Humphrey of Mixxit added: “We are focusing on growing the Maker’s Mark brand in the UK and we are really committed to growing the whisky category. Maker’s 46 is about trading up rather than bringing people into the category.”

The new variant is bottled at 47% abv – 2% higher than standard Maker’s Mark – and commands a higher price point at £39.99. The 46 refers to the number of attempts it took for the team to land on the final recipe.

Humphrey said the much-awaited launch could not have come at a better time as people are coming into the brown spirits category and there is a current trend for all things American. “The popularity of street food is soaring and there is a lot of love for American things at the moment.” 

Maker’s 46 will be exclusively stocked in Harrods following the release this week.