Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:10 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Maker’s Mark 46 vs Four Roses Small Batch in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Maker’s Mark 46 vs Four Roses Small Batch: Comparison
Maker’s Mark 46: Delivers a sweet and oaky adventure, with a blend of vanilla, cherry, and caramel on a rich oak base.
Four Roses Small Batch: Offers a harmony of vanilla, cherry, and oak, with a smooth, long finish of burnt caramel.
Verdict: Maker’s Mark 46 and Four Roses Small Batch each present a unique tasting journey. Maker’s Mark 46 enchants with its French oak stave influence, adding depth to its sweet profile from its wheated mash bill. Four Roses Small Batch captivates with its blend of four bourbons, balancing sweetness with a hint of spice from its mash high in rye, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Sipping Bourbons under $40
Maker’s Mark 46: A Sweet & Oaky Adventure for Bourbon Fans
- Nose: Oak, cherry, vanilla, ripe fruit
- Palate: Oak, cherry, vanilla, caramel
- Finish: Medium-length, oak, cherry, spice
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Knob Creek
Smooth Start, Bold Finish: Maker’s Mark fans, rejoice! Maker’s Mark 46 takes the brand’s signature smoothness and dials up the flavor with French oak influence. Prepare for an oak-forward experience with a surprising twist of sweetness.
Oak Takes Center Stage: The aroma is an inviting blend of oak, vanilla, and hints of fruit, hinting at the journey ahead. On the palate, rich oak takes the lead, followed by a burst of vanilla sweetness. The creamy texture is delightful, leading to a cherry and caramel dance.
Lingering Delight: The finish is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect oak to linger longest, with cherry and a touch of spice joining the party. Despite its extra aging, the warmth is subtle, allowing the flavors to shine without a fiery bite.
A Unique Twist: The secret weapon? Seared French oak staves added to the barrels during aging. This infuses the bourbon with a deeper oak character, making it stand out from its classic brother.
Aged Beauty: This expression rests for around 6 and a half years, giving it time to mature and develop its complex flavor profile.
Classic Roots: Like the original Maker’s Mark, it uses the brand’s unique corn, wheat, and barley mash bill, ensuring a familiar foundation with an exciting twist.
Handcrafted Charm: Every bottle features the iconic red wax seal, hand-dipped for a touch of tradition.
Made for Sipping: This bourbon is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing the unique oak and sweet notes to blossom.
So, is it good? If you love the classic Maker’s Mark but crave deeper oak flavor with a touch of unexpected sweetness, Maker’s Mark 46 is an exciting exploration. Be prepared for a bolder experience that stays true to the brand’s smooth reputation.
Unveiling the Allure of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon: A Blend of Sweetness, Spice, and Smoothness
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Long, burnt caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Angel’s Envy
Captivating Aroma: Dive into a swirl of sweetness with hints of vanilla, cherry, and oak, setting the stage for a delightful tasting experience.
Creamy Delight: Savor the velvety texture as flavors of vanilla, caramel, and rye spice dance on your palate, with a gentle touch of oak for balance.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is a smooth operator, leaving a pleasant burnt caramel aftertaste that lingers without any harshness.
Sweet & Spicy Harmony: This bourbon strikes a winning balance, offering both sweet charm and subtle spice, ensuring a wealth of flavor with every sip.
Effortlessly Smooth: No need for ice or water here! This whiskey goes down easy, thanks to its creamy texture and perfectly calibrated spice level.
Four Unique Personalities, One Masterful Blend: Discover the secrets behind the magic. Four Roses Small Batch is a combination of four distinct bourbons, each with its own personality, thanks to unique mash bills and yeast cultures.
Aged to Perfection: Each bourbon rests for at least 4 years in a one-story rickhouse, ensuring a mellow character.
Limited Edition Magic: Only 4 casks contribute to each release, making each bottle a unique expression of the blender’s art.
Ready to explore the world of Four Roses Small Batch? Its smooth character, complex flavors, and intriguing backstory make it a perfect choice for both bourbon enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
How do they differ?
The difference lies in the mash
| Bourbon | Corn | Wheat | Rye | Barley |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | 70 | 16 | – | 14 |
| FR Small Batch* | 70 | – | 25 | 5 |
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | $29 |
| Four Roses Small Batch | $36 |