Maker’s 46 is a nice, easy drink. It’s kind of like kissing your date on the front porch.
If, however, you can get your hands on a bottle of Noah’s Mill that’ll be the stuff that fogs your windows.
Which is not bad when followed by “come on in the house.”
I have found that there are 2 types of bourbon-ites; both are legitimate Americans only with different POVs.
(1) Those that like bourbon for the oaky-smoke and the “finishing” flavors found in good whisky. These folks also like scotch and whiskies from the upper-greatlakes region; canada, hudson river, etc.
(2) Those that prefer whiskies to have a higher alcohol content; they equate the high-proof to better flavor. These connoisseurs are “right” within their peer-group. These folks may have influence of experience derived from the whiskies made in the northern counties of Kentucky (corn-mash ‘stillers).
I am ambivalent regarding both. Whiskies like Knob Creek are very tasty and the higher alcohol content causes one to slowly sip (or, start with a “slammer” and then slowly have your second/last of the evening). Others, Like Eagle Rare have 80-or-less proof but still give great flavor. I prefer using Eagle Rare as a starter for blending my “bottle-bottoms”.
YMMV