From the Maker's site, on Maker's 46:
We age Maker's 46® a bit longer inside barrels containing seared French oak staves. The staves create bolder, more complex flavors — while eliminating the bitterness that usually comes with whiskies that are aged longer.
So it's been done. And it does taste different than regular Maker's. Sorry, I don't like artificial tampering with my whiskeys!!!! To each their own, though.