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David Nicholson Reserve vs Maker’s Mark 46
Put David Nicholson Reserve next to Maker’s Mark 46 and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional 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 | ~$30 – $40 ~$7 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- David Nicholson Reserve 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 Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- David Nicholson Reserve: The rye-recipe sibling to the 1843, with extra age. Toasty oak and rye spice give it more backbone, and the spice stays put through a long, warm finish.
- 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 Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
- 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 old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).