I get a lot of floral and fruitiness on the nose with a bit of vanilla and molasses. On the palate I find makers to be harsh. If I drink it, I prefer it on ice after the ice melts a bit and mellows out the harshness. Otherwise, it works well as a good mixing whiskey. There are less expensive mixing whiskeys that play the role just as well so I don't really find a good reason for keeping Makers on my shelf.