Classic Maker's nose, carameled apple, maybe sweeter. Hints of cherry, straw, and leather are also present. Palate is on point as well, adding bitter chocolate and fall spice. Kerosene, which I often get with Maker's is also there but to a lesser extent. Finish lingers with the chocolate and the spices bring a nice burn, but it is a bit too bitter. Bolder than standard cask strength, but not distinctively so. A bit of a disappointment. I'll be interested to see if it opens up some as the bottle sits. After letting this sit for a few weeks, I i no longer read bitterness on the finish, but still think it doesn't distinguish itself enough from stabdard cask strength. The addition of chocolate is nice, however. On final analysis, I do prefer this to BRT-02, which is too bitter.