In the bourbon world, there aren’t many names that carry as much acclaim as Maker’s Mark. While you can’t go wrong with anything from its award-winning portfolio, the iconic brand recently announced the launch of the 2026 edition of one of its most mature blends: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged
Now in its fourth year, this annual release highlights one of Maker’s Mark’s most mature blends. This year it features 11-, 12-, and 14-year-old Maker’s Mark bourbons. The result is a balanced, multi-layered, intricately crafted whiskey that you won’t soon forget.
According to Maker’s Mark, this cask-strength, 112.1-proof whiskey begins with aromas of dark cherries, clover, vanilla beans, and crisp apples. Sipping it reveals notes of clover honey, brown sugar, and ripe plums. The finish is velvety smooth and is centered on flavors of candied almonds, nutmeg, and green apples.
“The limestone shelf that surrounds Star Hill Farm has shaped our bourbon from the very beginning, thanks to the innovative spirit of my grandparents, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., who chose this land in 1953 for its exceptional water source and natural watershed,” Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker, says.
“Decades later, we made what some considered an unreasonable decision to build a LEED-certified cellar into that same limestone shelf, allowing us to extend maturation while preserving the balance that defines Maker’s Mark. This year’s Cellar Aged release is a testament to how our environment continues to shape the whisky’s final profile.”
Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker’s Mark, adds, “Cellar Aged represents our pursuit of flavor through patience, precision, and a deep understanding of how bourbon evolves. “After aging in our traditional warehouses, the bourbon spends additional time in our limestone cellar, where cooler maturation allows the fruit to shine while keeping the oak in balance.”
Where can I buy it?
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 will be available at select whiskey retailers throughout the US beginning September 1 for the suggested retail price of $175 for a 750ml bottle. This US release will be followed by availability in the U.K., Germany, Korea, Japan, Australia, and Global Travel Retail later this year into the spring of 2027. For more information about Maker’s Mark Cellar aged 2026 and all other releases from the brand, visit www.makersmark.com.
