Maker's Mark Cask Strength Batch 24-01 (113.2 Proof)

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Apple, caramel, and a nutty almond note. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, clove, and some oak. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: The clove becomes more pronounced and the cinnamon is less prominent. Overall: 9/10 - These distillery-selected strength bottles suit my palate just right, and at a much better price than the distillery-selected bottles I’ve tried. This is an excellent bottle for its cost that drinks much lighter than its 113.2 proof.

The heat is less than expected given the proof. Vanilla on the nose and palate, with some cinnamon and oak flavors. A nice lingering finish. An enjoyable step up from the standard offering.

Smelling it neat, I get vanilla, oak, cherry, and spices. It's tasty and really good.