HUGE difference, MUCH better than standard Maker's Mark - less harsh, more complex and slightly less dry. Where I rank standard Maker's Mark as least favorite whiskey (5th to last of ~70), Maker's 46 is top shelf, at #14, and preferred over even Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Old Weller Antique 107. I would absolutely love to try Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength - the best of both worlds - but it can only be found at the Maker's Mark gift shop.