The typical Makers Mark nose is immediate on this product with caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and a mild amount of oak and rye spice taking center stage. However, the French oak staves add a complexity that far surpasses the base product adding a semi sweet chocolate, coffee, and unripened mango. The mouth swish brings the full complexity of spices to the back of the throat with a pleasant black pepper, rye, and a slight amount of oak. The brown sugar coats the palate releasing a salivating sensation creating the need to have the next sip. At the front of the mouth and coating the teeth the vanilla and caramel are very noticeable. Lost upon tasting, or very muted, are the coffee, chocolate, and mango notes that were very present on the nose. I love the standard Makers offering and am a big fan of this product. I would love to try the cask strength version of this product. Nose: 4.25/5 Taste: 4.25/5 Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Daily Drinker