Discover Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Whisky, a limited, cask-strength Kentucky bourbon that marries longer maturation with the brand’s signature wheated profile for extraordinary depth and balance. Blended from 12- and 13-year-old barrels finished in a temperature-controlled limestone cellar, this release delivers a richer, more complex expression while staying true to the “bourbon without the bite” taste vision. The 2024 bottling sits at 119.3 proof, composed of roughly 15% 12-year and 85% 13-year bourbon, emphasizing flavor developed “aged to taste, not time”. Expect aromas of caramelized sugar, citrus, and almond, a palate of shortbread, rich coconut, and bright spice, and a long, mouthcoating finish with dried dark fruit and toasted oak—ideal for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a refined, cellar-finished Maker’s at the peak of maturity.
Experience Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Whisky: Limited, Older, and Distinctly Maker’s Process & Profile
- Aged-to-taste, finished in a limestone cellar: Maker’s Mark matures barrels traditionally in Kentucky rickhouses, then moves select cask-strength bourbon into a one-of-a-kind limestone whisky cellar for slow, even finishing that builds depth without harsh tannins.
- Older by design: The 2024 release is an artful blend of 12- and 13-year-old barrels, crafted to be richer and more complex while staying true to the brand’s “bourbon without the bite” vision.
- Cask-strength character: The 2024 bottling comes in at 119.3 proof, delivering concentrated flavor with remarkable balance.
- Signature wheated mash bill: Maker’s single mash bill—corn-led with soft red winter wheat and malted barley—underpins the plush texture and rounded sweetness associated with the house style.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Notes of caramelized sugar lead with bright citrus and toasted almond, signaling depth and lift in equal measure.
- Palate: Shortbread and rich coconut unfold into a lively, bright spice that’s layered yet approachable at cask strength.
- Finish: Long and mouthcoating with dried dark fruit and toasted oak—mature complexity without excessive bitterness.
What Makes It Special
- Cellar finishing for extra-aged elegance: The limestone cellar’s cool, consistent climate tempers Kentucky’s seasonal swings, encouraging slow extraction and integration so older bourbon gains complexity while avoiding over-oaking and astringency common in extra-aged American whiskies.
- Maker’s, made older—not different: Cellar Aged preserves the brand’s hallmark smoothness and creamy texture while elevating fruit, oak, and spice complexity for a deeper, more refined expression.
- Annual limited release: Introduced globally as a yearly, small-batch expression, Cellar Aged is crafted to showcase mature Maker’s Mark at its best, with blend compositions tailored to the target flavor profile each release year.
How to Enjoy
- Neat in a Glencairn: Best for appreciating the layered caramel, citrus lift, and evolving dark fruit finish at full cask strength.
- With a few drops of water: Opens coconut, shortbread, and almond tones while softening the spice edge without muting the long finish.
- Elevated classic cocktail: For a luxurious Old Fashioned, use a restrained sugar component and a lighter hand with bitters to spotlight the mature oak and fruit; the whiskey’s weight carries the cocktail effortlessly.
- Food pairings: Pair with aged cheddar or Gruyère, toasted pecan shortbread, or dark chocolate with orange peel to echo the citrus, nut, and cocoa-driven finish.
Key Specs
- Age: Blend of 12- and 13-year-old Maker’s Mark bourbon, finished in limestone cellar.
- Proof: 119.3 (2024 release).
- Release: Annual, limited global release.
- Style: Cask strength, wheated Kentucky straight bourbon (Maker’s Mark single mash bill).