"This is damned good bourbon. Damned good."

... to quote a certain Southroner.

Maker's Mark has come out with their new Maker's 46.

Good stuff. On the nose, it's like regular Maker's, with a little harsher kick. On the tongue, I like the spiciness and how it's not that much different than the stock MM. Good burn in the back of the throat, again stronger than the stock MM but not overwhelming. Very nice lingering finish too. Regular MM has a sweet, soft nature that's kind of luxurious on the tongue. The 46 is that plus a nice burn on top.

It's working very well right now as a chaser to my Sam Adams Boston Lager (in its signature glass, of course).

I might be a regular with this one too. I look forward to trying this one in a Manhattan and Mint Julip (Julep?). The added spiciness should marry really well.

So regular MM, MM46 and Bookers will probably be my standard Bourbon Whiskeys for my vice cabinet. (The Knob Creek I bought last week is okay, but not near as good as the 46.) Then I just need to find the Rittenhouse Rye that's eluding me lately.

I really need to stop talking to the folks in liquor stores. They're pointing out far too many interesting things lately. On the other hand, the kind lady in Vine & Table saved me from dropping any money on tequila or a pear-flavoured vodka today.

EDIT: One of the sweetest things about alcoholic beverages is the scent. I am currently sniffing my empty whiskey glass (actually a Sam Adams tasting glass from the Jamaican Plains distillery outside of Bahston). The remnant scent is amazing. Intoxicating, even. The same with the beer glass. I'd put those scents right up there with the finest flowers, perfumes or even the scent of a woman. Well... okay maybe not THAT good. But they're right up there, I'm telling you!

EDIT EDIT: Weird... I'm tasting a slight char on my tongue after a while sipping this stuff for probably too long. :) I simply didn't notice it before. It's certainly not an unpleasant taste. Just something of note. Disclosure: I'm probably on shot 3 right now. It's slow-going, but definitely nice. The utterly decadent and buttery caramel chunk I'm nibbling on every once in a while compliments the Bourbon nicely. It's almost an orgasm in my mouth.