Maker’s Mark has announced the 2026 release of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged bourbon. Marking its fourth year, the annual expression features a blend of 11-year-old, 12-year-old, and 14-year-old whiskies, making it one of the most mature releases produced by the distillery.
Rob Samuels, managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker, noted that the limestone shelf surrounding Star Hill Farm has shaped the distillery’s bourbon since its founding in 1953. He added that building a LEED-certified cellar into the limestone allowed the distillery to extend the maturation process while maintaining character balance.
The 2026 Cellar Aged release is bottled at cask strength (112.1 proof) and consists of 49% 11-year-old, 33% 12-year-old, and 18% 14-year-old bourbons. Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller, explained that after initial aging in traditional warehouses, the bourbon spends additional time in the cooler limestone cellar to balance oak and fruit notes.
The resulting whisky features aromas of dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean, and orchard fruit, with notes of honey, brown sugar, and ripe plum on the palate. The finish offers hints of almond, nutmeg, and green apple.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 will be available starting Sept. 1 at select retailers across the United States for a suggested retail price of $175 USD. Releases in the U.K., Germany, Korea, Japan, Australia, and Global Travel Retail will follow later in the year and into 2027.
The distillery will host a launch event ahead of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival on Sept. 10 for ticketed guests aged 21 and older. Beginning Sept. 14, the distillery will also offer an exclusive tour providing behind-the-scenes access to the Cellar Aged process.
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