Maker's Mark is often described as a good introductory bourbon owing to the sweet and smooth profile provided by the wheat in the mash bill, as opposed to rye. I've somehow managed to make it pretty far into my bourbon experience without trying this label, but fashionably late has always been my style. The nose is nice with vanilla, caramel, and slight brown sugar, but that is all buried under a pretty solid layer of ethanol. I let it breathe for a few more minutes after my first few whiffs to see how the aroma would change as some of the alcohol dissipated. The second run had less alcohol with the other flavors heightened and the addition of oak underneath it all. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, thanks to the wheat. A sweet sip with the vanilla and caramel continuing, the charred oak becomes bolder and is accompanied by corn sweetness and butterscotch. The finish has a slight peppery heat and ends fairly quick. What does linger is leather and brown sugar, but neither is there for very long. Maker's Mark is good enough that it has certainly earned its reputation and definitely belongs on the list of good introductory bourbons. For the price, I prefer Larceny as my wheated everyday sipper, but Maker's tastes good enough and has the versatility to remain on my shelf permanently.