Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026: What to Know About the Fourth Annual Release

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Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Returns for Its Fourth Year.

Maker’s Mark is bringing back one of its most anticipated annual releases with the 2026 edition of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged. Now in its fourth year, the limited annual release showcases some of the distillery’s most mature bourbon, combining whisky aged for 11, 12 and 14 years.

Rather than following a fixed age target, Maker’s Mark says the bourbon is “aged to taste, not time,” with the goal of developing additional depth and complexity while maintaining the recognizable character of the Maker’s Mark profile.

The 2026 release is bottled at cask strength, 112.1 proof (56.05% ABV) and features a blend consisting of 49% 11-year-old bourbon, 33% 12-year-old bourbon and 18% 14-year-old bourbon.

Aging in Maker’s Mark Limestone Cellar

A defining element of Cellar Aged is the additional maturation that takes place in the distillery’s limestone cellar in Loretto, Kentucky.

After spending time in Maker’s Mark’s traditional warehouses, hand selected bourbon is moved into the cellar, where the cooler maturation environment allows the whiskey to continue developing while helping maintain balance between fruit and oak.

Maker’s Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker Rob Samuels said the cellar was built into the limestone shelf surrounding Star Hill Farm as a way to extend maturation while preserving the balance that has defined the brand.

“Decades later, we made what some considered an unreasonable decision to build a LEED-certified cellar into that same limestone shelf,” Samuels said. “This year’s Cellar Aged release is a testament to how our environment continues to shape the whisky’s final profile.”

A Mature Maker’s Mark With Layers of Fruit and Spice

Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield says the Cellar Aged program aims to explore and understand how Maker’s Mark evolves through extended maturation.

“Cellar Aged represents our pursuit of flavor through patience, precision and a deep understanding of how bourbon evolves over time,” Layfield said.

Bourbon Lens Tasting Notes

Bourbon Lens was able to get an early preview of the 2026 expression and the bourbon opens with aromas of dark cherry, vanilla, and orchard fruit. On the palate, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 presents with brown sugar and deep rich cherries. The finish is proofy and warming and leaves you with notes of baked apples and cinnamon.

The combination of older bourbon and the additional cellar maturation gives Cellar Aged 2026 a notably mature profile while retaining the softer fruit and sweetness associated with Maker’s Mark and its wheated bourbon mashbill.

Cellar Aged 2026 Release Details

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 will begin arriving at select U.S. retailers nationwide on September 1, with a suggested retail price of $175. International availability will follow in the U.K., Germany, Korea, Japan, Australia and Global Travel Retail later in 2026 and into 2027.

Maker’s Mark will also celebrate the release in Kentucky with a ticketed launch event at the distillery on September 10, ahead of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Beginning September 14, visitors will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive distillery tour featuring behind-the-scenes access to the Cellar Aged process.

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 at a Glance

  • Age: 11, 12 and 14 years
  • Blend: 49% 11-year, 33% 12-year, 18% 14-year
  • Proof: 112.1 proof / 56.05% ABV
  • Bottling: Cask strength
  • Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
  • SRP: $175
  • U.S. Release: September 1, 2026
  • Availability: Select retailers nationwide
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark, Loretto, Kentucky

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