Maker's Mark Private Selection Fireside Spice

One of the reasons why it took so long for me to appreciate bourbon was how harsh my experience was with Maker’s Mark. I constantly avoided this brand as it was like a bomb exploded or like having been punched in my mouth. I despised bourbon thanks to Maker’s Mark. Well, I can finally aay that these days were gone with this one. What a grear surprise to have blind tasted this one against Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof and think that they were exactly the opposite. On the nose: Immediately sugar, vanilla and black pepper. On the palate: Vanilla, mapple and baked spices. Added some water: On the nose: Black pepper aroma gave space to banana. Isn’t that interesting? The spice bite got reduced and I got banana and much more mapple syrup. On the palate: It was like having a banana pancake with syrup on top. Very good! I’m glad I found this one on sale at Total Wine for $59. Original MSRP was $81.