Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:20 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 vs Maker’s Mark 46 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 vs Maker’s Mark 46: Comparison
Maker’s Mark: A smooth, welcoming bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, and cherry. Ideal for those new to bourbon or seeking a gentle sip at 90 proof.
Maker’s Mark 46: An enhanced version of the classic, offering deeper oak and vanilla flavors for a more complex experience at 94 proof.
Key Difference: Maker’s Mark 46, at its core the same as classic Maker’s Mark, gains unique flavors from seared French oak staves in its barrels, followed by an extra 6 months of aging for a distinctive profile.
Verdict: Both Maker’s Mark and Maker’s Mark 46 excel in delivering quality bourbon experiences, catering to different tastes – from smooth simplicity to enriched complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Similar Whiskeys and Alternatives to Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark: Smooth Sipping, Easy Entry Point
- 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: Weller Special Reserve
Maker’s Mark aims to please with its smooth and approachable profile. Let’s dive in:
Aroma: A curious note of nail polish might greet you initially, but fear not, it fades soon, revealing warm vanilla and juicy cherry as the bourbon opens up.
Taste: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, and a touch of honey dance on your palate, offering a satisfying mouthfeel. Think smooth and gentle.
Finish: Moderately long, it leaves a pleasant sweetness with minimal warmth and a whisper of black pepper. Feeling adventurous? A drop of water unlocks a playful “Tootsie Pop” flavor while taming any spice, making it even easier to sip.
Verdict: Balanced and easygoing, Maker’s Mark isn’t about bold statements. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for bourbon newbies or those seeking a smooth, everyday dram.
Beyond the Sip:
- Made with a unique corn, wheat, and barley mash bill.
- Aged between 6-7 years, ensuring consistent maturity.
- Iconic red wax seal, hand-dipped for a touch of tradition.
- Owned by Beam Suntory, home to brands like Jim Beam.
Remember: Taste is subjective! Explore and find your perfect pour, whether it’s smooth sailing or something more daring.
Maker’s Mark 46: Upgraded Smoothness, Amped Flavor
- 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: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Love Maker’s Mark but crave a bolder sip? The 46 delivers!
Nose: A familiar friend greets you – oak, caramel, vanilla – with a hint of fruity whispers.
Taste: Brace yourself for a stronger oak punch than the OG Maker’s, but don’t worry, it quickly mellows into a delightful symphony of vanilla, cherry, and caramel.
Finish: This bourbon doesn’t quit easily. Lingering oak warms your palate, joined by sweet cherry and a touch of spice for a satisfying finale.
Verdict: Consider this Maker’s Mark on steroids. Same smooth base, cranked up with oak and vanilla for a deeper, more complex experience. But fear not, balance is maintained, making it a pleasure to sip.
Beyond the sip:
- Aged around 6.5 years, slightly longer than the classic Maker’s.
- Same wheat-heavy mash bill, but with a secret twist – oak staves are added during finishing for extra oomph.
- Hand-dipped red wax seal continues the Maker’s tradition.
Remember: Taste is subjective! Explore and find your perfect bourbon, whether it’s classic smoothness or amped-up adventure.
How do Maker’s Mark and Maker’s Mark 46 differ?
Maker’s Mark 46 shares many of the flavors found in the classic Maker’s Mark, which is to be expected since they are indeed the same bourbon at their core.
To create Maker’s Mark 46, the distillery takes fully aged traditional Maker’s Mark at cask strength and introduces especially seared French oak staves into the barrels.
These seared oak staves impart unique flavors and characteristics to the bourbon.
Following the introduction of the seared oak staves, the bourbon undergoes an additional aging period of approximately 6 months.
This extended maturation allows the flavors to develop and integrate, resulting in a distinctive profile for Maker’s Mark 46.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Maker’s Mark | $32 |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | $42 |