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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Penelope Architect
Put Maker’s Mark 46 next to Penelope Architect and you have a classic, high-wheat stalwart set against a sourced, corn-forward blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$38 – $45 ~$24 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/6 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).