I remember receiving a sample of the first release of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged last fall, and I absolutely loved it. It was the oldest expression released by the distillery. Fast forward to the beginning of September 2024. Maker’s agency on record reached out with an enticing offer – the chance to join a press trip to the distillery to celebrate the 2024 release of their premium Cellar Aged whisky. I was so pumped to go, going as far as tasting through all of the distillery’s releases I have at the house to refamiliarize myself with different takes on their flavor profile before I was to fly out.

Then Mother Nature decided to intervene. Hurricane Francine was set to strike the New Orleans metro area the day I was supposed to fly out to Kentucky. Hence, the trip didn’t happen. This isn’t a woe is me situation. After the storm, I was a part of our work’s Storm Response Team, providing fresh hot pizzas straight out of our pizza oven to first responders and those in need. As much fun as the Maker’s trip would have been, the couple of days of giving back to the community after a disaster proved to be much more fulfilling.

So, after a few days, the agency was gracious enough to send over a sample for my review. And with that, here we are, with my first full review in ten months.

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 is a blend of 15% Maker’s Mark 12-year-old and 85% Maker’s Mark 13-year-old, at 59.7% ABV or 119.3 Proof. The standard Maker’s has no age statement, though it’s rumored to be between 6-8 years old.

“Delivering an elevated expression that’s distinctly Maker’s Mark, Cellar Aged finishes maturation in our LEED-certified cellar, built into the limestone shelf that surrounds us, creating a richer, deeper and more complex bourbon, free from the harsher tannic effects commonly found in older American whiskies,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, Head of Innovation and Blending, Maker’s Mark.

In other words, fully aged barrels of Maker’s are then brought into their cool cellar, which slows down the aging process. This allows the release of 12- and 13-year old bourbon without an overpowering oak profile or it being overly tannic.

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 starts off with slightly burnt sugar, buttered pecans, and a touch of lemon zest on the nose. There’s feint oak there, but you really have to concentrate to find it. The palate is quintessential Maker’s DNA with added depth, featuring vanilla macaron, some dark fruits, and some baking spices. It doesn’t drink like its high proof. No water required. The finish is warm, with just the slightest hint of oak.

This is a polished, approachable, more complex version of Maker’s Mark. The baking spices and oak don’t feel added on like some of their Private Select picks, but instead come across as beautifully integrated. This is an easy recommendation for the suggested retail price of $174.99.

Thanks to Maker’s Mark for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.