From the Top 5 Bourbons $25-$50 list...

Maker's Cask Strength comes in at number two in the rankings! A wheated bourbon bottled from the barrel without being proofed down.  This is simply regular 90-proof Maker's Mark at cask strength.  Though the proof point is lower than many might expect from a cask strength product but that is due to Maker's process of a lower barrel entry proof than most other distillers.  This is technically a batch product and there could be slight differences between batches but I've found it to be very consistent from batch to batch.  While Maker's product line may not be as extensive as other distillers, their focus on consistency is unmatched.  The founding principles and vision of Bill Sr. & Margie Samuels are very much alive today.  If you take a tour or visit the distillery you will find how committed the entire company is to the vision of the founders.  

Stats: NAS (typically 6-7 yrs); 70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley; 110 proof; $49

Verdict:  The mash bill for Makers is very similar to other popular wheated bourbons (ahem...Weller) and Maker's has always used Red Winter Wheat.  If you don't know the full story, check it out on their website but essentially Bill Sr. tested mashbills by baking bread to identify which wheat strain and percentages was best to use.  Bill Sr's vision was to create a bourbon HE wanted to drink that was "neither bitter nor sharp." And boy did he succeed.  Most people assume a wheated mash bill is going to be soft, sweet, and "smooth."  However, at proofs around 110 and higher, it can get quite spicy (or hot).  Not the case here.  I hate to use the word "smooth" to describe a whiskey, because it generally means there's not much flavor at all and not necessarily a good thing, but even if I did I wouldn't characterize this as smooth.  It's definitely got great flavor to it with the traditional Maker's sweetness upfront of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruits. Hints of bread and honey.  Not much oak to it and only slight baking spice which adds a nice balance.  Not overly complex but is a great drinking bourbon that executes its best qualities at an extremely high level!