John Howie Steak Barrel #2 - 55.4% ABV 3x Seared French Cuvee, Maker's 46, Roasted French Mocha 1x Toasted French Spice Nose - (w/o water) Sweet vanilla, gentle cinnamon, hint of chocolate, caramel, sweet brioche, vanilla frosting (w/ water) More sharp vanilla sweet, more caramel, less chocolate Taste - (w/o water) Buttery/oily mouthfeel that transitions to a lightly dry leather, sweet buttery vanilla caramel, hint of cinnamon, mocha foam, faint hint of sweet cherries (w/ water) A lot thinner/drier mouthfeel, drying oak, cinnamon heat, oaky caramel Finish - (w/o water) Lingering waxy/buttery mouthfeel, sweet caramel, light caramel mocha, sharp sweet cherry (w/ water) Lingering drying mouthfeel, brown simple sweet, chocolate returns Score - 81/100 Final Thoughts - So this one does not really do very well with the addition of water as it seems to throw everything off balance. This drinks surprisingly below its proof neat. That being said, it doesn't taste that much different from standard Maker's even with all of the finishing staves. The only benefit is that it's slightly higher proof and doesn't drink like it. Sadly the addition of water kind of throws it off balance so not sure how this would do in a cocktail. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not another