Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:09 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 Knob Creek 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 Knob Creek: Comparison
Maker’s Mark 46: Enhanced classic with wheat smoothness and French oak finesse, featuring oak, cherry, and vanilla notes.
Knob Creek: A Jim Beam variant aged longer for deeper cherry, vanilla, and oak flavors, offering a richer, more complex profile.
Verdict: Maker’s Mark 46 and Knob Creek showcase the art of bourbon crafting with their unique profiles. Maker’s Mark 46 brings a smooth, wheat-based sweetness with a French oak twist, while Knob Creek offers a robust experience with rich cherry and vanilla depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Maker’s Mark Whiskeys
Maker’s Mark 46: Wheaty Delight Meets French Oak Finesse
- 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: Buffalo Trace
Seeking a Smooth & Satisfying Sip? Maker’s Mark 46 might just be your perfect pour. This enhanced version of the classic Maker’s Mark takes smooth and sweet to new levels.
What Sets it Apart:
- Unique Mash Bill: Maker’s Mark uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, resulting in a distinctively smooth and sweeter profile compared to many bourbons.
- French Oak Twist: 46 introduces specially seared French oak staves into fully aged barrels. This adds a noticeable oak influence, heightened vanilla notes, and a refined taste.
- Extra Aging: Following stave infusion, the bourbon undergoes an additional six months of aging for further complexity.
Flavor Journey:
- Aroma: Enticing notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and subtle fruitiness greet your nose.
- Palate: First, oak takes center stage, followed by a pleasant wave of rich vanilla. The creamy texture persists, leading to cherry and caramel flavors.
- Finish: Long and smooth, with minimal warmth. Subtle notes of oak, cherry, and a touch of spice linger.
More Than Just Smooth: While smoothness is a hallmark, 46 offers complexity and depth too. If you find the classic Maker’s Mark a bit too sweet, this version might hit the sweet spot perfectly.
Bonus Facts:
- Aged around 6 and a half years.
- Uses the traditional corn, wheat, and barley mash bill.
- Iconic bottles sealed with red wax, dipped by hand.
Ready for a sip? Maker’s Mark 46 promises a smooth and satisfying bourbon experience with a touch of sophistication. Give it a try and see if it becomes your new favorite!
Related: Maker’s Mark 46 Drinking Guide
Knob Creek: Where Jim Beam Takes Flight
- Nose: Cherry, vanilla, caramel, rye spice, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, cherry, chocolate, peanuts
- Finish: Long, vanilla, banana, baking spices
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Larceny
Beyond the Cornfield: Knob Creek boasts the same core 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley mash bill as Jim Beam, but takes it to new heights. Crafted by the legendary Booker Noe, it receives extended aging in heavily charred oak barrels, unlocking a more elevated flavor profile.
Aroma: Prepare for a symphony of enticing scents – juicy cherry, warm vanilla, rich caramel, toasty oak, and a hint of peppery rye. This is a bourbon that promises complexity even before the first sip.
Palate: Knob Creek delivers on that promise. The texture is luxuriously creamy, followed by a pleasant wave of warmth. Notes of sweet vanilla, toasted oak, decadent chocolate, and the signature Jim Beam peanut characteristic mingle harmoniously.
Finish: The 100 proof doesn’t overpower, instead offering a long, warming finish with a smooth, rounded, and buttery body. It’s satisfying and inviting.
More Than Just Drinkable: This isn’t just a decent bourbon, it’s remarkably good. Free of harshness, it goes down effortlessly despite its proof. Enjoy it neat to savor the full depth, or add a touch of water to unlock even more sweetness.
Knob Creek in a Nutshell:
- Aged 9 years in heavily charred oak barrels.
- Shares the same mash bill as Jim Beam, but the aging and char unlock a richer profile.
- Created by industry legend Booker Noe.
- Owned by Suntory Holdings (who also own Jim Beam).
So, if you’re looking for a bourbon that transcends the classic Jim Beam experience, give Knob Creek a try. Its extended aging and masterful crafting truly elevate the spirit to new heights.
How do they differ?
The difference lies in the mash
| Bourbon | Corn | Wheat | Rye | Barley |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | 70 | 16 | – | 14 |
| Knob Creek | 75 | – | 13 | 12 |
What do they have in common?
Owned by the same parent company
- These brands are owned by Beam Suntory, along with Jim Beam, which in turn is owned by Japan-based Suntory Holdings.
- Knob Creek is crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery while Maker’s is made at its own distillery.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | $29 |
| Knob Creek | $35 |