Maker's Mark smells quite pleasant but you wouldn't know it immediately upon opening the bottle. Without letting the Bourbon open up it just smells of oak and paint thinner. Let it linger in your glass though and the sweet smells begin coyly venture out. Vanilla, custard and baked pastries with chocolate mark the smell. There's also hints of corn and oak at the back. Nothing unusual for a Bourbon but they are quite pleasantly balanced. The palate is much less sweet but still appealing. Vanilla, brown sugar, oak and caramel dominate the experience. Further in the back you get toffee and baked bread. Towards the back mid palate you get a pleasant burst of corn. The finish is pretty light but lingers for a surprising amount of time. I'd say it's like having some vanilla with a nice, yeasty, sweet bread. Not bad if not at all complex. Ultimately Maker's Mark is a standard but well rounded Bourbon. There are no surprises here but by the same token it's hard to find any concrete fault with it. It's a worthy addition to any bar and a great daily sipper with lots of sweetness and breadiness to please just about anyone.