89 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Dark copper mahogany color. Aromas of rocky road ice cream, toasted banana bread, sassafras, licorice, and caramel latte with a supple, fruity medium-to-full body and a spicy, toasty graham cracker, fennel and chocolate espresso bean accented finish. A confected, but tasty dark rum for tiki cocktails. International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal

95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of cocoa and cream, baking spices and palo santo, white chocolate and toffee, and chocolate covered espresso beans with a round, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-length finish with elements of chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, black pepper honey syrup, and molasses soaked leather. Fancy, old, and decadent; like a Tequila soaked Bentley rolling down the street.

92 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of dill pickle, chocolate toffee and espresso bean, and toasted panettone with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long finish that exhibits notes of molasses roasted nuts, sweet baking spices, cola and sassafras floats, and blonde tobacco and minerals. A rich and poised well-aged Rum for sipping or cigars.

94 Wine Enthusiast

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. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

92 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of pecan pie, brown butter, candied cherries, and clove-spiced orange marmalade with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, intricate, long finish evoking impressions of vanilla-caramel creme candies, cappuccino, and opera cake. A rich and elegant Straight Bourbon Whiskey with piles of sophisticated style.

90 Malt Advocate

This is original “red wax” Maker’s Mark that received additional aging in barrels containing internal “seared” French oak staves. The original Maker’s Mark, being a wheated bourbon (instead of rye, which is typically used), is rather mellow and easy-to-drink. The French oak staves in “46” add firm, complex dry spices (led by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove), herb (a suggestion of Green Chartreuse, perhaps?), and some polished leather “grip”, which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness (caramel, vanilla, a hint of honey). I’m also picking up some dried fruit in the background. The seared oak stave influence is somewhat aggressive, but never to the point of being excessive.

91 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Amber color. Aromas and flavors of cracked pepper, fennel, cola, almond biscotti, and cinnamon-sugar toast with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, long finish that shows notes of honey-roasted pecans, candied orange peel, maple, and plump dried fruits. Precise and focused aromas lead to an undulating, honeyed palate; an excellent dram.

89 The Whisky Advocate

Diageo has introduced this new no age statement variant of Talisker single malt. The name reflects the distiller’s aspiration to enhance the maritime notes in this expression. Refill and rejuvenated casks have both contributed to its maturation. The nose is youthful but rounded, with brine, burning wood embers, vanilla, and honey. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with cranberries and black currants, while peat smoke is always present, plus black pepper. The finish lingers, with walnuts and fruity peat.