Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked

Sweet aromas of caramel, vanilla, cedar, nutmeg, hazelnut, brown butter, and grilled peach. Rich, silky mouthfeel which gets more tannic over time. Palate shows lots of charred oak, plus more vanilla, caramel, peach, butter, and nutmeg. Finishes quite tannic – though not harsh – and very long. 3.75/5.00 – Very Good (neat)

Some time ago, Maker’s Mark was the first wheated bourbon I ever tried. Back then, I distinctly picked up a fresh apple note in it — something that, interestingly, is rarely mentioned in tasting notes. Compared to the regular Maker’s Mark, fresh apple is less prominent, giving way to banana and baked apple, pastry notes. More powerful, though not more nuanced, than the regular release. Personally, I found that a few drops of water helped the nose and palate open up more fully. The finish is not particularly vivid — somewhat blurred and understated — bringing notes of raw, untoasted wood, without the varnishy edge. However, it lingers for quite a while.

Oakiness shines in taste along with cinnamon spice finish