Tastes

The nose is fruity and bright with candied apple, vanilla, and green grapes. The sip is smooth with more apple, caramel, and a hint of oak. It remains an intensely flavorful but light taste. The finish has a nice coating mouthfeel, leaving with a citrus note and more vanilla. Slainté

The nose is soft and pleasant, with slight cinnamon and a bright woodiness. A caramel sweetness creeps in. The initial taste is crisp with rye spice, but not heavy handed. Notes of tobacco and leather, accompanied by more caramel and some deep red fruit. The finish has a lingering heat that comes along with the 50% bottling, but is full and dense without being overly oily. A fine addition to the Sagamore lineup, and easily preferred compared to their signature rye.

I feel like this rating seems low, but Makers Mark is just a very solid if unspectacular bourbon. It hits the right notes of caramel, barrel spice, and the wheat comes through. Great for the price, but nothing about it stands out.