Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2020 SE4 x PR5

I don't find the base Maker's to be anything more than average, but last year's RC6 was fantastic so I was eager to grab a bottle of SE4 for the shelf. Nose is really interesting here. There is almost a roasted nuts vibe with a fresh sawn oak backbone. I realize that sounds a bit odd, but not sure how else to put it. Honestly it is a really nice combo. First sip is a wash of peanut and caramel. Feeling like someone found a way to bottle a Payday candy bar and threw some proof at it. There is a little bite on the edges, but overall very drinkable neat. The finish is a slow fade in the back of your throat and the edges of your tongue, but not the slightest bit harsh. MM did another great job with the 2020 edition here. One more dram to pull me deeper into the MM family. With 46, Private Selects, and now these annual releases they are firmly in the BIN category for me.

Vanilla and oak comprise the nose. Vanilla and caramel are strong flavors along with an oaky backbone.