Clear rich mahogany color, akin to Pantone 153. Rich nose emits plums, a bit of raisin, chocolate covered cherries, sweet crème brûlée, toasted oak. I keep coming back to it: there’s some rich coffee underneath; a little bananas Foster. The aromas are deep and intense yet not overpowering, and alcohol is barely there. Not a lot of viscosity on the palate, which shows some toasted marshmallow and toasted oak, and the alcohol burn is apparent toward the end as it progresses toward the finish, which is long, and shows more toasted oak and vanilla. Maker’s Mark is doing great things. Beginning with Maker’s 46 a decade ago, and continuing with the various iterations of the wood-finished series, their Cellar Aged ups the ante even further. Maker’s has been known to bottle “to taste” rather than age; this bourbon does both, as it is a blend of 11- and 12-year old barrels. Maker’s Cellar Aged is warm and inviting in the best way. The warmth on the nose is not from heat, but rather to a certain smoothness and mellowness, like freshly baked spice cake. The intensity and sensory saturation is what makes this bourbon great. The nose has the kind of breadth and depth which I’ve only experienced a very small number of times, as with 2019 William Larue Weller. Would I buy it again? Yes. But I actually didn’t buy it this time—it was generously shared with me by my good friend @ataylor156. I’ve never been able to find it myself, and I believe he has found two bottles in two separate states! This is among the best bourbons I’ve ever had. 5.0 on the Distiller scale. 115.7 proof. Blend of 11-12 year-old barrels. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.