Maker’s Mark releasing some of its oldest bourbon yet. Here’s how to buy it
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- Maker’s Mark unveils 2025 Cellar Aged bourbon with whiskey aged up to 14 years.
- Release blends 74% 11-year, 10% 13-year, and 16% 14-year bourbon at 112.9 proof.
- Bottles debut Sept. 15 for $174.99, with early access at Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
For those who thirsting for more extra-aged releases from Maker’s Mark, hold onto your Glencairns: The Kentucky distiller is about to release some of its oldest bourbon yet.
The 2025 edition of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged contains bourbon aged 14 years, blended with barrels aged 13 years and 11 years.
It’s the latest release from the Loretto distiller’s unique limestone cellar, which keeps barrels at 50 degrees or less year round. The barrels go in fully matured then ... wait.
The distillery discovered that the cool temperatures keep the bourbon from picking up too much of the bitter tannins and woody oak that take a good whiskey past the point of no return.
The cellar, essentially an underground rickhouse that stores a limited number of barrels, is currently adorned with a gorgeous Dale Chihuly blown glass sculpture hanging overhead in silent splendor.
The program has been wildly successful, and already Maker’s Mark is contemplating how they can expand to make room for more barrels.
“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,” said Rob Samuels, managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker, in a statement. “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.”
Where to buy 2025 Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged bourbon
Only about 245 barrels went into this limited release, which will hit U.S. stores beginning Sept. 15 with a suggested retail price of $175, as well as select international markets and airports. It should be available in the United Kingdom, Australia, Korea, Japan and Singapore later this year and into early 2026, according to a news release.
There will be special opportunities to purchase Sept. 5-7 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and that the distillery on Sept. 6 and 7. The gates will open at 5 a.m. and the gift shop will open at 9 a.m., one purchase per person. And beginning Sept. 8, you will be able to book a Cellar Aged tour experience at the distillery that will include the option to purchase a bottle.
What does the 2025 Cellar Aged taste like?
Since Maker’s Mark released the first version in 2023, the releases have all been quite different. The first year was all chocolate and dark fruit. Last year was more citrus and coconut.
Now, the 2025 is fudge in a glass, according to master blender Beth Buckner, with a lot of fruity notes along with dark brown sugar and dark cherry, with a little orange zest. Almost like it’s already an Old Fashioned, she said.
“It showcases a really different flavor compared to the other years,” said Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark in a media tasting. “I think it’s quite amazing. I think we achieved the vision we were going for. I’m really happy with where 25 came out.”
The particular blend is 74% of an 11 year, 10% of a 13 year and 16% of a 14 year, bottled uncut and unfiltered at cask strength, coming in at 56.45% alcohol by volume, or 112.9 proof, Layfield said.
