I will preface this with, Maker's is the standard that I taste all whiskey against. It was the first bourbon I really started to enjoy after college. In college I drank Jack mainly, but found Maker's as I aged and it is my first love on the journey into whiskey. The nose has vanilla and caramel, there is some slight oak in it as well. On first sip I get very sweet fruity floral note, then the caramel comes in. In the subsequent sips there is the oak and a bit of spice. The spice is very subdued. The finish is pretty standard length and a nice sweetness. Overall regardless of my bias it is a great whiskey on my palate. Have I had better, yes but the value and consistency I find with it. It is hard to beat for an everyday pour.