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Maker’s Mark Cask Strength vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +19 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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 Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 9/7 sweetness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).