Next up in my budget bourbon flight - Maker’s Mark Bourbon. It may appear a little unfair to toss a wheated bourbon into the mix, but I trust my impressions and perceptions can still be fair. And, the wheated characteristics can also draw out contrasts to rye’s presence in other mashbills. Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Barley ABV: 45.0% Price: $18.99 Nose: Soft and mellow. Mapled honey, toast, creamed corn, light cherry, almond, vanilla. Palate: Sweet, rich, full, and a touch salty up front. Creamy, cereal, vanilla, and almond. Rolls through toast, dark cocoa, and oaky astringency. Smooth, rounded mouthfeel with mild spice. Finish: Short, vanilla-rich, and warming. Dry, mild oak spice. Despite their differences, this dram very nearly tied with the Knob Creek Small Batch. It’s certainly less complex but there were no off-notes here to detract from the tasting. I’ll give the point to Knob Creek though because it has more going for it. Maker’s Mark is like the unadorned mashed potatoes of bourbon. 3.0 ~ 75 ~ Average