It’s another store pick! This one is also courtesy of Trail Inn/Triangle. And by “courtesy of” I mean they picked it out and I bought one. Dear Trail Inn/Triangle: this is twice in a week I’ve reviewed your store picks. I think my next one should be free. Looking at your Maker’s 46. I can be bought. The nose on this one is awesome. Tart cherry, a bit of apple, vanilla, sugar. I could almost be tricked into thinking I was sniffing a cobbler. Body is pretty standard EC, which is slightly disappointing given that nose. This one veers a bit more into caramel-apple territory than I’m used to, but the basic flavors are all still there. Mustiness, hint of lemon. Finish carries cinnamon and pepper, with a pleasant lip buzz. As someone who generally doesn’t care for Elijah Craig small batch, these store picks really are something else. It really makes you wonder how they choose to mix barrels. They clearly have some pretty dynamic stuff, so are they cutting the good stuff with mediocrity for volume? Is there a place in the rickhouse that generally produces garbage? When you mix opinionated tart-nose with relentless chocolate body, do you somehow end up with a lower shelf bourbon that kind of tastes like so many other low shelfers? I think there’s a place for Elijah Craig on my shelf, but I’m going to make it a point to keep it stocked with store picks. I clearly won’t be able to predict what I’m signing up for, but I have yet to be disappointed.