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David Nicholson 1843 vs Maker’s Mark 46
On paper David Nicholson 1843 and Maker’s Mark 46 are near neighbours — both wheated bourbons — so proof (100 vs. 94) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson 1843 | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $35 ~$12 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- David Nicholson 1843 does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
David Nicholson 1843
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson 1843 Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/7 oak: David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: David Nicholson 1843 7 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: David Nicholson 1843 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- David Nicholson 1843: A long-running wheated label at 100 proof. Smooth vanilla and caramel with a soft, bready body and a touch more spice than you would expect from a wheater.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with David Nicholson 1843 if you want a smooth, 100-proof wheater with a long history at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (David Nicholson 1843); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).