Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon is a highly anticipated and significant annual limited-release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Maker's Mark. It represents a bold step for the distillery, as it's their first-ever older expression, carefully crafted to offer a richer, deeper, and more complex flavor while staying true to the brand's signature "bourbon without the bite" philosophy.
Key Characteristics of the 2024 Release:
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Older Age Statement: The 2024 release is an artistic blend of 15% 12-year-old and 85% 13-year-old bourbons. This is a considerable age for Maker's Mark, as their standard bourbons are typically aged around 6-7 years. The extended aging contributes significant depth.
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Unique Maturation Process (Cellar Aging): This is the defining element.
- The barrels first undergo standard aging in traditional rickhouses for approximately six years, experiencing Kentucky's extreme temperature swings.
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They are then moved to Maker's Mark's LEED-certified, temperature-controlled limestone cellar for an additional 5-7 years of aging. This consistently cool environment (around 50°F / 10°C year-round) slows down the interaction between the whisky and the wood. This "cellar aging" allows the bourbon to develop deeper, darker flavors and more complexity, but crucially, it minimizes the harsh tannic effects often associated with older American whiskies aged exclusively in traditional hot warehouses.
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Wheated Bourbon: It uses the classic Maker's Mark mash bill: 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. The wheat continues to provide its characteristic smoothness and sweetness, which is beautifully preserved and enhanced by the cellar aging.
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Cask Strength: The 2024 release is bottled at a robust 119.3 proof (59.65% ABV). This higher proof amplifies the developed flavors, offering a powerful yet remarkably smooth experience.
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Limited Annual Release: Cellar Aged is an annual, highly allocated release, making it a sought-after collector's item and a premium offering.
Tasting Notes (2024 Release):
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Aroma: Expect notes of caramelized sugar, bright citrus (like orange peel), and toasted almond. Some reviewers also note rich cooked fruits (baked apples, pears, cranberry sauce, pomegranates), vanilla, and hints of cinnamon.
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Palate: Described as having a viscous, thick, and buttery mouthfeel. Flavors include buttery shortbread, rich coconut, and bright spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). You'll also find cooked strawberries and cherries, decadent oak, vanilla, overcooked caramel, and a subtle "wheated funk" that is well-integrated. It's often praised for drinking "below its proof," meaning the high alcohol content is well-integrated and doesn't overpower the flavors.
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Finish: Long, mouth-coating, and satisfying, with lingering notes of dried dark fruit, toasted oak, caramel, and spice. Reviewers note a good balance between sweeter fruit notes and aged oak.
Overall Impression:
Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2024 is a testament to Maker's Mark's innovative approach to aging and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their classic profile. By utilizing the unique cellar aging process, they've created an older, higher-proof bourbon that showcases remarkable complexity, richness, and depth, while crucially avoiding the excessive bitterness or harsh tannins that can sometimes plague very old bourbons. It's designed for discerning bourbon enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate a refined, full-flavored, and exceptionally smooth aged wheated bourbon. It's highly recommended for sipping neat to fully appreciate its nuanced character.
