Maker's Mark Los Angeles Lakers Purple And Gold Wax Limited Edition

I'm quite certain this is the standard Maker's Mark, but with a purple and gold wax to honor the Los Angeles Lakers. The reigning NBA champions, who recently lost their star player Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash. Bottled at 45% ABV, it has a lovely tawny color. Let's consider this a re-review, or a new assessment of a different bottling. On the nose, it's actually quite pleasant. It begins with raw rice, caramel, grain, cereal, rum raisin ice cream, peaches, and salt crackers. After the initial sip, the aroma shifts slightly to crème caramel, burnt caramel, prunes, and cherries. There's a certain humidity to it, reminiscent of a damp library book page that has been dried. On the palate, it's straightforward but very fruity. It starts with sour prunes and caramel. The second sip is better, offering more prunes, cherries, and apricots. The aftertaste is "bourbon-like." Like the most classic example ever. Dry rye, cardboard, grain, pepper, and oak spice. Very dry, but acceptable. Overall, I understand why this is a classic. It's functional. It's a very enjoyable dram, reasonably interesting, and easy to drink on a daily basis. My rating for it is 83 out of 100.