Four Roses vs Maker's Mark: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:10 am

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 Four Roses vs Maker’s Mark in this head-to-head 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

Four Roses Yellow Label vs Maker’s Mark: Comparison

Four Roses: Offers a honeyed embrace with a refreshing apple twist, perfect for newcomers with its sweet, smooth finish. A light-bodied bourbon that’s easy on the palate and the budget.

Maker’s Mark: Delivers a smooth, Tootsie Pop-like experience with vanilla, caramel, and cherry notes, making it a delightful sip for beginners or as an everyday bourbon.

Key Difference: Spicy rye (25%) animates Four Roses, while Maker’s Mark goes wheaty & sweet (16% red wheat) for a bready contrast.

Verdict: Both Four Roses and Maker’s Mark serve as excellent introductions to the bourbon world; Four Roses with its inviting sweetness and Maker’s Mark with its balanced, smooth charm. Each provides a satisfying experience tailored to newcomers and casual sippers alike, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Sipping Bourbons under $30

Four Roses: Sweet & Smooth, Easy on the Beginner

Nose: Caramel, honey, pear
Palate: Honey, apple, cinnamon, citrus, oak
Finish: Fruity, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Rating: ⭐⭐

Honey & Pear Promise: Four Roses opens with a sweet invitation of honey and juicy pear, a welcoming aroma for newbies and seasoned drinkers alike.

Sweet Start, Crisp Apple Twist: The first sip offers a delightful sweetness that evolves into a refreshing burst of crisp apple. Hints of citrus, cinnamon, and subtle oak add complexity without overwhelming.

Long & Fruity Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, showcasing lingering fruit notes, a touch of oaky warmth, and almost no harsh bite. It goes down smooth and easy.

Light Body, Easy Sipping: While thin on texture, Four Roses compensates with low heat and minimal oak spice, making it a breeze to sip neat or on the rocks.

Good? It’s Solid! This bourbon shines for neat or on-the-rocks enjoyment. However, its lower proof means it might not stand out in cocktails where bolder spirits reign supreme.

Competent & Affordable: Four Roses doesn’t boast unique or mind-blowing flavors, but it avoids unpleasant surprises, which is impressive at its price point. Beginners, take note!

Perfect Primer: This is a fantastic starting point for exploring the world of bourbon. Its enjoyable taste profile and attractive price make it a great introduction before diving into more complex pours.

The Lowdown:

Blend of 10 different Four Roses whiskies
Two mashbills: 75/20/5 & 60/35/5 corn/rye/barley
Five unique yeast strains for complex fermentation
Aged in single-story warehouses for consistent aging
Historic Kentucky distillery (1910) owned by Kirin Brewery

In a Nutshell: Sweet, smooth, and easy on the wallet, Four Roses is a great choice for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed sipping experience. It’s not a flavor bomb, but it’s a reliable and enjoyable bourbon that won’t break the bank.

Maker’s Mark: Sweet & Smooth, A Beginner’s Friend

Nose: Vanilla, cherry
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, honey
Finish: Medium, cherry, vanilla, pepper
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Knob Creek
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

First Sniff: Take a whiff and you might get a surprise—a fleeting hint of alcohol that fades into gentle vanilla and cherry notes. Give it a minute, it gets better!

Sweet & Balanced Sip: On the tongue, it’s a smooth ride with vanilla, caramel, cherry, and honey flavors. Think Tootsie Pop for adults, without the stickiness.

Warm & Easy Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, sweet with a touch of pepper, like a gentle goodbye. Add a drop of water to unlock hidden Tootsie Pop magic and smooth out the spice.

Good? It’s Great! Maker’s Mark is a crowd-pleaser. No harsh edges, just well-rounded sweetness and good balance. It’s one of the few bourbons, like Pappy or Weller, that uses wheat instead of rye, making it smoother and slightly sweeter.

For Newbies & Everyday Sippers: This is a great starting point for bourbon beginners or anyone seeking a casual, uncomplicated sip. It’s friendly, approachable, and won’t overwhelm your palate.

The Lowdown:

Mashbill: 70% corn, 16% red wheat, 14% malted barley
Aged: 6-7 years, determined by taste, not calendar
“Whisky” with a “y”, a Scottish nod from its founders
Owned by Beam Suntory (also home to Jim Beam)

In a Nutshell: Smooth, sweet, and balanced, Maker’s Mark is a great choice for first-time bourbon explorers or everyday sipping. Think easygoing sweetness with a hint of Tootsie Pop magic. No fireworks, but a reliable and enjoyable friend in the whiskey world.