Maker's Mark Cellar Aged (2026 Release)

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged (2026 Release) is an annual limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that explores the effects of extended maturation while retaining the distillery's characteristic wheated bourbon style. Unlike traditional Maker's Mark expressions, which are generally matured for shorter periods, Cellar Aged undergoes a two-stage maturation process. The bourbon initially ages in traditional warehouses before selected barrels are transferred to the distillery's limestone cellar. The cellar provides a cooler and more consistent environment, slowing the maturation process and allowing the whiskey to develop additional complexity while managing the influence of oak. The expression is made using Maker's Mark's traditional mash bill, which replaces rye with soft red winter wheat alongside corn and malted barley. This approach contributes to the distillery's characteristically rounded profile, while the extended ageing introduces greater depth from the charred American oak barrels. The 2026 release continues the Cellar Aged series, focusing on the relationship between barrel selection, maturation conditions and the development of older Kentucky bourbon. For the 2026 edition, the blend consists of 49% 11 Year Old, 33% 12 Year Old and 18% 14 Year Old bourbon. Each component spends approximately seven years in traditional warehouses, followed by a further four to six years in the limestone cellar. This is the fourth annual Cellar Aged release since the series began in 2023, bottled at cask strength of 56.05% ABV. Tasting Note by Maker's Mark: Nose: Complex with dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean, and soft orchard fruit Palate: Enveloping with notes of honey, brown sugar, and plums Finish: A warming, silky finish with hints of almond, nutmeg, and crisp green apple