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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Comparing Maker’s Mark 46 and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +26 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$9 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/8 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 7/8 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 slightly lower price point.
- Go with Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).