Maker's Mark unveils Cellar Aged 2026 bourbon blend
Maker's Mark announced the 2026 release of Cellar Aged, its fourth annual edition blending 11-, 12- and 14-year-old bourbons matured in a limestone cellar. The distillery says extended aging deepens flavor while preserving its signature balance.
MAKER'S MARK INTRODUCES CELLAR AGED 2026
The annual release delivers one of the most mature whiskies blended by the distillery
Maker's Mark®, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of Maker's Mark Cellar Aged. Now in its fourth year, the annual release showcases one of the distillery's most mature blends to date, combining 11-, 12- and 14-year-old Maker's Mark bourbons. Aged to taste, not time, this year's release builds on the hallmark character of Cellar Aged, revealing new layers of depth, complexity and flavor through extended maturation.
"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," said Rob Samuels, Maker's Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker.
"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."
Meticulously blended and bottled at cask strength (112.1 proof / 56.05% ABV), Cellar Aged 2026 brings together 49% 11-year-old, 33% 12-year-old and 18% 14-year-old bourbons to deliver a bourbon with remarkable richness.
"Cellar Aged represents our pursuit of flavor through patience, precision and a deep understanding of how bourbon evolves over time," said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker's Mark. "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."
The whisky is unmistakably Maker's Mark—rich and layered, opening with aromas of dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean and soft orchard fruit. On the palate, notes of honey, brown sugar and ripe plum give way to a warming, silky finish accented by almond, nutmeg and crisp green apple.
Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026 will be available beginning September 1 at select U.S. retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $175 USD, followed by availability in the U.K., Germany, Korea, Japan, Australia, and Global Travel Retail later this year into 2027.
