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Jim Beam Black vs Maker’s Mark 46
Put Jim Beam Black next to Maker’s Mark 46 and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$17 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- Jim Beam Black does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- 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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).