Maker's Mark Cask Strength

Honeyed note, as expected. The proof acts as a balance, warming throughout the palate. Strong vanilla flavor, with some neutral vegetal aspects. Salty. Splenda sweet instead of sugar. Not rough, but seemingly potent proofing that does not leave, even minutes later. Astringent, but otherwise smooth. Revisited. Just can't get into this one that much. Very flat and vegetal and too "hot" considering other offerings at barrel proof. Kinda tastes like freshly stripped bamboo and hay mixed with what I imagine to be a pencil - bland wood + graphite. Not sure what that means. Dropping rating to 2 stars. Not for me.

Hot and very nice finish could be too warm for some.

I really like this bourbon and Amy is a fan. While higher proof, the AC does not overwhelm you. It drinks nicely neat or on the rocks.