Tastes

Maker’s 46 was one of my very first “favorite bourbons”—one of the ones that elevated my interest above the bottom shelf. It actually inspired me to begin reviewing whisky, and yet, after all these years, I’ve yet to do this one the service of a proper review. And since this bottle needs no further introduction, I’ll get right to it. Nose: Loads of caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla. Some toffee and coffee. Cherry and gala apple. Cola. Vick’s Vapor Rub. Some bready notes with toasted almond. Walnut. Cinnamon, allspice, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Palate: Caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and vanilla. Milk chocolate. Cherry and gala apple. Vanilla pecan ice cream. Peanut butter. Cola. Toasted almond. Cocoa and black pepper. Maybe faint tobacco smoke. Maybe. Cinnamon, white pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Finish: Heavy on the cherry, gala apple, and Vick’s Vapor Rub. Caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bitter oak. Orange citrus, pipe smoke, black pepper, and cocoa. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and white pepper. Moderate-long. This is just fantastic. Since this is one of the whiskies that got me going in my formative years, it’d be hard to say there is no bias—considering this may well have informed my palate. Yet, we all evolve, and for me, this retains its quality. Clean but potent and flavorful. An immense step up over the standard MM—and for only $9 more. And that’s really the kicker here. On quality alone I give this a 4.5/5. But the fact that I can get a top rate bottle of whisky for the meager price of $40 is worth an extra half star. It’s that good of a deal. If the Weller’s and the Pappy’s are too much, MM46 is your answer for a go-to wheater. Superb.

Knappogue Castle is one of my favorite distilleries in the whiskey world. And this one is no exception. Green apple on the nose and palate. Vanilla on the finish. And it's a great finish. Remarkably little alcohol burn at 46%. This is one of the best values in whiskey and one of my favorite Irish whiskies.

About what you'd expect at this price point. The nose and palate are similar to that of its fellow entry level Irish whiskies. In this case, it's a little less complex and a bit of a harsh burn akin to rubbing alcohol. The finish is brief, not much to say here. Overall, it isn't bad. About a 2.5. It's not as good as entry level Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore Dew, but it is cheaper. It's worth picking up a bottle if you're on a budget or are just looking for something to throw in a flask.

This is an impressive whiskey. Very tasty considering the high ABV. Complex palate and long finish. A word of advice, give this one some time to breathe. It can be a little harsh if you drink immediately after pouring. Letting it settle in the glass for about 15 minute does wonders for this one.

Solid entry level classic. Smooth and sweet. Only mark against it is that it's not all that complex. Vanilla on the nose and palate. 4/5

Definitely a step up from No.7. It's got the classic JD flavor, but this one is the smoothest I've tried. It's worth trying. 3.5/5

You get what you pay for with this stuff. It's not terrible though. It's drinkable and, surprisingly, goes down fairly smooth neat. I can really only justify 2.25 stars for this one; however, I will add that it is one of the better bottom shelf blends I've tried. If you're on a budget and you just want to get from point A to point B, consider grabbing a bottle of J&B.

Took me a while to find one of these. The nose isn't too strong, I'm pretty neutral about it. On the palate it's a bit hot considering the proof. It packs a good amount of flavor and is ultimately pretty enjoyable. The finish is the best part; it's length is considerable. Solid bottle. Glad I got a bottle, would definitely buy again. 4/5.

Solid rye. It's one of the smoothest I've had. It's just not that complex. Will definitely be buying again.

Amending my previous post to 2 stars. Sadly, it's not growing on me. Something about the taste is just off.