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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Put Maker’s Mark 46 next to Barrell Foundation Bourbon and you have a classic, high-wheat stalwart set against a sourced, high-rye blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$14 less | ~$50 – $60 |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon 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
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it at a lower price point.
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).