The nose finds supersweet deep caramel candy and almond extract, but don’t be fooled. On the tongue, it’s punch-in-the-nose dry and biting. Best served on ice, which takes down the burn and lets the pronounced woody flavors come through: lots of oak, strong tea and cigar tobacco. n nA new, even smoother version of Maker’s Mark? Yes, please. Maker’s 46 begins life as normal Maker’s, removed from the barrel when it’s fully matured. While it’s removed, 10 seared French oak staves are attached to the inside of the barrel, then the Maker’s goes back in to begin the months long process of becoming 46, a process which adds natural caramel, vanilla, and spice flavors without adding any bitterness. Only 25,000 cases will be shipped this year, so if you’re wanting to give it a try and see it in the local liquor store, don’t hesitate, unless of course someone is robbing said store at that very moment, in which case you should run.