90-95 Wine Enthusiast

A delightful and massive bouquet of ripe grapes and fruit-topped cheesecake with deep-seated aromas of prunes, dates, figs, coffee beans and chocolate-covered cherries. The palate entry is long, sweet, cocoa-like and rich; at midpalate subtle bittersweet hints of citrus, black coffee and caramel emerge. Finishes virile, sweet and concentrated.

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.

4+ The Whiskey Wash

The Glenlivet 21-Year Single Malt Scotch is an excellent whisky and a true delight. Complex, interesting, balanced, and engaging, the nose and palate possess a rarely-seen synergy which makes for a delightfully well-considered experience. I could drink this whisky every day.

94 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Gold color. Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries and vanilla cream, sweet corn and dry hay, candied ginger, and praline with a silky, bright, bone-dry medium-to-full body and a warming, compelling, medium-long finish revealing accents of cream corn, creme brulee, candied lemon, and suede and honey. Fruity, floral, and well balanced; surprisingly lithe and delicate belying the higher ABV. BEST BUY

91 The Whisky Advocate

Aromas of cereal grains and baking spice are not a harbinger of what’s to come; the palate veers off course and delivers ripe red apple, sliced pear sweetness, frosted vanilla cupcake, grape jelly, and cinnamon stick. It’s rich, well-spiced, and complex, and leaves you wanting more. Dark chocolate and hot fudge emerge on the lengthy finish, though they never overtake the lingering fruit, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and grain notes.