Maker's Mark 46 French Oaked

Chestnut brown/dark caramel color. A thick crown surrounds the side of the glass when you take it for a walk. I recommend letting this one sit in the Glencairn for about 10 minutes before you first sip. The nose is first peanut and sawdust; it's a dry, dusty aroma. A little bit of classroom paste. The wood aromas are smoothed out and not spicy. (Is that the what French Oak does?) Sugary toffee and molasses, with just a hint of cherry. The fumes make me a little light headed. The first sip is dry and nutty. It's hard to tell where the peanut dust begins and barrel spice ends. Sweeter flavors enter in the second wave: cherry, vanilla, butter, coffee creamer and caramel. There is a prickly, yeasty flavor that I am assuming comes from the high wheat component, but a n00b like me can never be sure. There is a very distinct wood char at the swallow: toasted and tannic. The heat and those tannins remain on the lips and burn for a bit. The finish is dry, lacquered wood and tobacco, like a cigar recently-removed. Black licorice, cinnamon, and a significant barrel char that comes off like burnt oak. A chocolate orange. This one is a terrific value that brings complexity and a lot of really harmonious flavors that go equally well neat or on ice.

Signature, truly unique exotic floral notes, this time with almost Scotch-like honey heatherness and a hint of toasted wood. Delicious.

Tasted this alongside the cask strength and I must say this is one instance where the version that was proofed down seems to shine more! Pleasantly surprised with this one! This would be one of my top picks to reach for during the summer!

I get chocolate covered cherries on the nose. Cherry, cinnamon, and caramel with a spicy finish on the taste.