The winner: Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Small Batch wins this one clearly: it beats Maker's Mark on every rating source we track and often costs about the same or less. Maker's Mark still has a place if you want the recognizable wax-sealed bottle for a gift, but for drinking, Four Roses is the better bourbon.
Taste & craft
The ratings gap is the real story here. Four Roses beats Maker's Mark on The Bourbon Culture (6.0 vs 5.8), and Whiskybase puts it at 82/100, above that source's bourbon average of 83.1 in a tight cluster of good scores. Breaking Bourbon's lone score (3.0/5) sits right at the category average. Maker's Mark has only the one critic score, and it's a weak one. Price is close enough that ratings should decide this for you.
Live ratings
Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Live ratings
Four Roses Small Batch
Current offers
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Common questions
About this comparison
Which is better, Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky or Four Roses Small Batch?
This comparison currently favors Four Roses Small Batch. The verdict is based on the evidence shown on this page, including source ratings and current offers.
Does ShelfRead create the ratings in this comparison?
No. ShelfRead keeps each third-party rating attached to its original source and scale. It does not combine those scores into an aggregate rating.
How current are the offers for Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky and Four Roses Small Batch?
The page reflects the latest offer data available when it was updated on August 18, 2026. Retailer prices and availability can change, so confirm the final price with the retailer.