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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Maker’s Mark 46 and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +8 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$38 – $45 | ~$20 – $26 ~$19 less |
- 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.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/4 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).