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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Maker’s Mark 46 and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +14 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 | ~$30 – $40 ~$7 less |
- Penelope Four Grain 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.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/3 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 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.
- Penelope Four Grain: A light, low-proof blend of corn, wheat, rye and barley. Honey, almond and orchard fruit keep it sweet and easy, though it reads young and thin when sipped neat.
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 more proof behind it.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).