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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Maker’s Mark 46 and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B is a closer contest than it looks — both are wheated bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$38 – $45 vs. ~$170 – $900).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +4 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$494 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/3 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced 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 significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).