Recently found a gift pack of Maker’s Mark 46 cask strength and Maker’s Mark Stave IV cask strength 375 ml bottles for $32. Maker’s is an infrequent purchase for me, but I HAD TO TRY these cask strength drams. Maker’s 46 is better than the standard Maker’s; and, this cask strength is even better. The nose is warm honey and caramel and a bit of spice (cinnamon?). Very inviting. These are on the tongue as well with a silky feel. There also is a warming heat, but not as much as you might expect with a 55.15% ABV. I find the finish to linger with bit of honey and heat on the end. This is a very good sipper. The Maker’s Stave series IV is aged with the following staves: 5 American Pure, 1 Maker’s 46, and 4 Toasted French Spice. (Maker’s 46 is aged with 10 French oak staves.) The nose of the Series IV is nearly identical to Maker’s 45, though I think the honey note is a bit stronger, and the spice seems less. In the mouth seems to also to be the case. Very smooth and well rounded, soft on the tongue, little burn from the %55 ABV, just enough spice to make it interesting. The finish still lingers on this one, but with less notable spice. This, too, is an outstanding sipper. I think my initial impression is I prefer it over the standard Maker’s 46 cask strength. I think I have become a Maker’s convert, at least for these versions.