Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 has arrived at Master of Malt.
It’s the most mature whisky ever the Kentucky Straight Bourbon brand has ever blended. The third expression in the Cellar Aged series contains 14-year-old Maker’s Mark, as well as 13-year-old and 11-year-old American whiskeys. These might seem like small numbers in Scotch or Irish whiskey. But in Kentucky’s hot climate, ageing whisky for this long is a tricky process. One that has to be carefully managed by experienced whisky makers. When done right, it can unlock new depths of complexity and deeper, darker flavours.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged whisky is matured in proprietary limestone cellars. This LEED-certified space carved into the Kentucky hillside makes the brand unique within the bourbon category. The consistently cool conditions slow extraction and allow oxidative development, creating whiskies of depth and balance without the excessive tannins often associated with extended ageing in bourbon.
The maturation follows a two-stage process: first, barrels mature for approximately six to eight years in traditional Kentucky rickhouses. Here, they experience seasonal climate swings. Then, the barrels are moved into the limestone cellar. Following this secondary maturation, the whiskeys are blended to taste and bottled. Maker’s Mark has always maintained that it ages its whiskey to taste, not time. Cellar Aged continues that philosophy into extended ageing.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 contains the oldest bourbon the distillery has released
“Challenging everything you think you know about aged bourbon”
“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has gone to extraordinary lengths to craft an uncompromisingly delicious bourbon, and Cellar Aged 2025 is a continuation of that pursuit,” says Rob Samuels, managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker. “An elevated expression that remains unmistakably Maker’s Mark, Cellar Aged finishes maturing in our LEED-certified limestone cellar, creating a richer, deeper and more complex bourbon.”
“Our cellar, built into the natural limestone shelf that surrounds our Star Hill Farm distillery, plays a vital role in shaping the whisky’s final profile – just as our environment has done since our founding,” says Dr Blake Layfield, master distiller, Maker’s Mark. “Ageing at consistently cool temperatures slows the extraction of wood tannins, allowing oxidation to do its work and developing a bourbon that’s more complex, yet remarkably approachable. By avoiding the overly bitter, tannic notes that can come with traditional long ageing, this one-of-a-kind expression challenges everything you think you know about aged bourbon.”
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 is available now. Purchase by clicking the link in the product name.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark brown sugar, caramelised oak, baked apple.
Palate: Creamy fudge, toasted almond, ripe dark cherry.
Finish: Long and smooth, with butterscotch, orange zest.
