Color is a clear Pantone 138. Pleasant nose shows orange oil, sweet corn pudding, roasted marshmallow, a touch of peanut brittle, and rosin. The palate is not viscous, but does leave a mark (pun intended) with some oak and a nice cinnamon spice on the back end, both of which continue on the shortish finish. Maker’s Mark, a wheated bourbon, has been getting better and better over the years. First, the distillery introduced Maker’s 46, which has a slightly higher proof and uses additional wood staves for flavor. This was the genesis of their wood-finishing series, with numerous private-barrel selections as well as the limited-release versions over the past three years: the FAE, BRP, and BEP series, and then its Cellar Aged bourbon this year. I’ve had the first three, as well as some of the private-barrel selections, and loved them all. A good friend has the extremely-difficult-to-get Cellar Aged bottle (my entire state only received 12 bottles total), and it’s been getting rave reviews. I’m sure I’ll like that as well—assuming he lets me! Maker’s entry-level offering is 90 proof; Maker’s 46 is 94 proof, and the Cask Strength is usually in the 110-115 proof range. The 101 is, of course, 101 proof, which many consider a sweet spot. While the 46 uses extra wood staves, the 101 is simply the 90-proof bottled at 101 proof. But what a difference the extra proof makes! This offering can be found for $40; and while the 101 proof would be nice for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned (I actually like higher proof bourbons for cocktails), this one is a fantastic daily sipper when poured neat. It’s not terribly complex, but it’s very good: sweet with a nice Kentucky hug, and no woody tannins or bitterness. Careful with this one; it goes down easy. Would I buy it again? Yes. Very good value. 4.0 on the Distiller scale, considering the value aspect. 101 proof. No age statement. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.