Maker's Mark 46 vs Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Maker's Mark 46Elijah Craig Straight Rye
DistilleryMaker's MarkElijah Craig
Region
CountryAmericaAmerica
TypeBourbonRye
ABV47%47%
AgeNASNAS
Price£35.95£46.75
Rating4.44/55.00/5

Maker's Mark 46

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Maker's Mark 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.44).

Maker's Mark 46 is better value at £36 vs £47.

For beginners: Maker's Mark 46 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Maker's Mark 46

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£35.95 vs £46.75)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£46.75 vs £35.95)

Who should buy Maker's?

Maker's Mark 46 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Elijah?

Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaToastedHoney

Only Maker's Mark 46

ChocolateNew Wood

Only Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Nutty

Where to buy

Maker's Mark 46

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

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